US Moves to Seize Oil from Captured Tanker Near Venezuela Amid Escalating Sanctions

The White House announced on Thursday that the Trump administration plans to seize an oil cargo aboard a tanker captured off the coast of Venezuela, intensifying tensions with Caracas amid ongoing regional conflicts. The vessel, described by White House Spokesperson Karoline Leavitt as a 'sanctioned shadow vessel,' is alleged to have been used to transport black-market oil tied to Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. Leavitt defended the move, stating that President Trump is committed to enforcing sanctions and preventing illegal activities. Investigators are currently aboard the tanker, interviewing the crew and gathering evidence. The tanker is being escorted to a U.S. port, where legal proceedings to formally seize its cargo will commence. Venezuela condemned the action as 'a blatant act of theft and international piracy,' with Foreign Minister Yvan Gil accusing the U.S. of targeting the country's energy resources. In addition to the tanker seizure, the U.S. imposed sanctions on three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, further escalating tensions.