The US seized a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, President Donald Trump announced Wednesday, escalating tensions and sending oil prices higher amid ongoing pressure on President Nicolas Maduro.
Trump described the tanker as “very large, largest ever,” and hinted that the US would retain the crude. The action marks the first known US intervention on Venezuelan oil shipments since sanctions began in 2019.
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Venezuela condemned the seizure as “blatant theft” and an “act of international piracy,” vowing to raise the issue with international authorities. Iran also criticized the move as a serious violation of international laws.
The vessel, identified as the very large crude carrier Skipper, had transported 1.8 million barrels of Venezuela’s Merey heavy crude. Part of the cargo had been transferred near Curacao to another vessel bound for Cuba before the seizure.
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US authorities, including the FBI, Homeland Security, Coast Guard, and military support, executed the seizure warrant. A video released showed helicopters approaching the tanker and armed personnel rappelling onto it during the operation.
The incident increased oil market concerns, with Brent crude rising 27 cents to $62.21 per barrel and US West Texas Intermediate crude gaining 21 cents to $58.46. Analysts warn of ongoing geopolitical pressures affecting oil supply.