The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic, suspected of carrying Venezuelan oil under sanctions, marking a further escalation in the administration's strategy. Donald Trump aimed at controlling oil flows in the Americas. The operation comes a few days after the capture of the Venezuelan president. Nicolas Madurowhich has disrupted the political balance in Caracas.
According to US officials, Coast Guard and special forces teams boarded the Marinera, formerly known as Bella 1, after a weeks-long pursuit. The tanker was empty at the time of the seizure, but Washington claims it was used to circumvent sanctions imposed on Venezuela's energy sector. US authorities also intercepted another tanker carrying Venezuelan crude, bringing the total number of seizures to four in just a few weeks.
The operation was carried out with the support of the United Kingdom, including a warship and air assets. London indicated that this cooperation was part of international efforts to combat sanctions evasion. However, the reported presence of Russian vessels near the tanker has reignited tensions with Russia, already in confrontation with the West over the Ukrainian issue.
Meanwhile, the White House is pushing for an agreement to divert shipments initially destined for the United States to China, the main buyer of Venezuelan oil. Beijing denounced what it called acts of intimidation and violation of Venezuela's sovereignty, while the anticipation of an increase in supply led to a decline in oil prices on world markets.
In Caracas, the allies of the Chavista regime remain in power under the leadership of the interim president. Delcy RodriguezCaught between denouncing the American intervention and seeking pragmatic cooperation on the oil issue, Washington claims it wants to revive Venezuelan production with the support of American companies and has mentioned the sale of tens of millions of barrels currently blocked by sanctions.
This strategy, which Trump has championed as a tool for national and economic security, is causing serious concern among US allies, who fear the precedent set by the seizure of ships and the arrest of a foreign head of state. It also underscores the central role of oil in the ongoing reshaping of power dynamics in Latin America and beyond.
