U.S. Moves to Choke Off Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Shipments

President Trump ordered a sweeping blockade targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela, sharply escalating pressure on President Nicolás Maduro. The move follows the recent U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan crude tanker and has already disrupted shipping, with many vessels turning back to avoid interdiction. While stopping short of a full military blockade and excluding Chevron’s licensed operations, the order signals tougher sanctions enforcement as the U.S. expands its military presence in the region. Venezuela condemned the action as illegal and warned of severe economic consequences, while legal experts questioned its implications under international law.