US Seizes Sanctioned Oil Tanker Off Venezuela, Trump Says

American authorities seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday. Consequently, tensions rose sharply.

Trump said the vessel was “very large, the largest ever,” and hinted that the oil would remain in US control. Meanwhile, Venezuela called the seizure “blatant theft” and “international piracy,” planning to report it to global authorities.

The tanker, identified as the VLCC Skipper, left Venezuela’s Jose port on Dec. 4–5 with about 1.8 million barrels of heavy crude. Moreover, it transferred 200,000 barrels near Curacao to a Panama-flagged tanker bound for Cuba before the seizure.

Guyana’s maritime authority noted the Skipper falsely flew its flag. Additionally, PDVSA records show the tanker transported Venezuelan oil to Asia between 2021 and 2022.

Trump has repeatedly pressured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to step down. Furthermore, Washington has carried out over 20 strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and Pacific since September, killing over 80 people. Experts have questioned the legality of some strikes.

Attorney General Pam Bondi said the FBI, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and military carried out the seizure. A video showed helicopters and armed personnel boarding the vessel. As a result, Iran’s embassy condemned the action as a violation of international law.

Oil prices rose after news of the seizure. Brent crude increased 27 cents to $62.21, while WTI gained 21 cents to $58.46. Analysts say the seizure raises geopolitical risks but does not immediately alter oil supply.

Despite tensions, Chevron, partnering with PDVSA, said operations in Venezuela remain normal. Recently, the company increased US-bound shipments from 128,000 to 150,000 barrels per day.

Maduro claims the American military buildup aims to overthrow him and seize Venezuela’s oil reserves, the world’s largest. Moreover, this is the first US action against Venezuelan oil under 2019 sanctions.

As the situation develops, global markets and policymakers are watching closely. Consequently, the White House emphasizes ongoing enforcement of sanctions and monitoring Venezuelan oil flows.

This incident highlights the Trump administration’s focus on asserting influence in the Western Hemisphere, raising international attention.

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