The United States has seized another vessel off the coast of Venezuela, according to three US officials, marking a significant continuation of its efforts to enforce sanctions against the South American nation. This latest operation occurred in international waters, just days after President Donald Trump announced a “total and complete blockade” targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.
This incident represents the second seizure of a tanker near Venezuela in recent weeks and highlights a notable military buildup by the US in the region. The officials, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, did not disclose the specific location of the operation but stated that the US Coast Guard led the effort. Both the Coast Guard and the Pentagon directed inquiries to the White House, which has yet to respond to requests for comment.
In a social media post on July 7, 2025, Trump emphasized the severity of the blockade, stating, “I am ordering a TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela.” Following the initial seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker last week, an effective embargo has been in place, resulting in loaded vessels, carrying millions of barrels of oil, remaining in Venezuelan waters to avoid potential confiscation.
Venezuelan crude exports have notably declined since the first seizure. While several vessels continue to pick up oil from Venezuela, others transporting oil from Iran and Russia remain unsanctioned. Some companies, including Chevron of the United States, are authorized to transport Venezuelan oil using their own ships.
China remains the largest buyer of Venezuelan crude, accounting for approximately 4 percent of its imports. Analysts predict that shipments in December could average over 600,000 barrels per day. Currently, the oil market appears to be well supplied, with millions of barrels of oil on tankers off the coast of China waiting to unload. Should the embargo persist, the loss of nearly 1 million barrels per day of crude supply may lead to rising oil prices.
Since the US imposed energy sanctions on Venezuela in 2019, traders and refiners have turned to a “shadow fleet” of tankers that mask their locations, often using vessels previously sanctioned for transporting Iranian or Russian oil. According to data from TankerTrackers.com, out of more than 70 oil tankers in Venezuelan waters identified as part of this shadow fleet, approximately 38 are under sanctions from the US Treasury, with at least 15 loaded with crude and fuel.
The US military presence in the region has intensified, with more than two dozen military strikes executed on vessels in the Pacific Ocean and Caribbean Sea near Venezuela. These operations have reportedly resulted in over 100 casualties. Trump has also indicated that US land strikes against Venezuela may commence soon.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the US military buildup, asserting that it aims to destabilize his government and seize control of the nation’s vast oil resources, which hold the largest crude reserves globally. The ongoing tensions and actions reflect a complex geopolitical struggle that continues to impact both Venezuelan oil exports and the broader global oil market.
