Venezuela has denounced a U.S.-imposed maritime blockade as a violation of international law, escalating tensions between the two nations. The condemnation follows an order issued this week by U.S. President Donald Trump, which Caracas claims aims to seize control of its energy resources.
The United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) declared the blockade a breach of free trade and navigation principles in a Wednesday statement, asserting that Washington seeks to "appropriate Venezuela's energy and natural resources." Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino López reinforced this stance during a press conference, calling Trump's decision "delusional" and warning it threatens regional stability and global energy security.
Thousands rallied in Caracas on Wednesday to protest the blockade, with Mayor Carmen Melendez urging communal unity against "violent threats by supremacist rulers." Meanwhile, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called for UN-mediated dialogue to prevent military escalation.
Padrino López emphasized that the Caribbean Sea remains governed by international law rather than unilateral control, stating: "The president of the United States has said that we are the thieves of the oil that lies beneath our soil. That is completely incoherent." Venezuelan officials maintain they will resist all foreign intervention attempts.
