Tensions escalate: US seizes Venezuelan oil tanker
Photo: Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro (Getty Images)
On December 10, 2025, the US forces intercepted and took control of an oil tanker under sanctions near the coast of Venezuela, Bloomberg reports.
According to sources familiar with the situation, the seizure of the tanker could seriously complicate Venezuela’s oil exports, as other shippers may avoid loading its cargoes due to the risk of sanctions.
Most Venezuelan oil is exported to China, usually through intermediaries and at significant discounts because of risks linked to US restrictions.
The White House has not yet commented on the incident, and Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA and relevant ministries have also issued no statements.
Meanwhile, in Venezuela, the US actions have already been described as an attempt to seize the country’s oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world.
Notably, the tanker seizure occurred on the same day that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize.
PDVSA controls Venezuela’s oil industry and cooperates with international partners, including the US company Chevron Corp., which has joint oil-production projects in the country. The US grants Chevron a license that exempts the company from sanctions.
US–Venezuela confrontation
The US administration under Donald Trump increased pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, accusing him of controlling a drug trafficking operation.
The Pentagon carried out more than 20 strikes on vessels allegedly involved in drug transportation in waters near Venezuela and Colombia, resulting in over 80 deaths.
According to CNN, Maduro is reportedly ready to resign, but not earlier than 18 months from now.
Interestingly, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has suggested considering the possibility of relocating the Venezuelan leader to Qatar.
