US President Donald Trump said on Thursday that war with Venezuela is not off the table. He confirmed that all options remain on the table. The warning came amid ongoing US seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers near the Caribbean.
Trump spoke in a telephone interview with a US news channel, highlighting increased actions against Venezuelan oil shipments. He emphasized that more tankers would be seized if tensions continue. The president stressed that these steps aim to pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
Earlier this week, the US blocked oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela under sanctions. These measures have heightened regional tensions and increased economic pressure on Caracas. Trump indicated that the operations are ongoing and will continue as needed.
US officials said 28 ships have been targeted so far, with over 100 casualties reported from previous actions. A double-tap strike also drew scrutiny from the US Congress. The president avoided specifying whether these actions could trigger a broader conflict.
Read more: Trump confirms phone call with Venezuela’s Maduro
Trump stressed that the situation depends on Venezuela’s future actions and warned that further provocations could lead to more aggressive measures. He declined to rule out war entirely, signaling that Washington remains ready to escalate if necessary.