On Wednesday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States has successfully seized an oil tanker near Venezuela, claiming it to be the “largest ever taken” and a move that significantly escalates tensions with President Nicolás Maduro’s government.
“We’ve just seized a very large tanker off the coast of Venezuela—actually, the largest one ever seized,” Trump stated at a White House roundtable, relayed by the Associated Press. While describing further actions in progress, he withheld additional details, promising to update reporters later.
When pressed about the fate of the oil aboard the vessel, Trump casually remarked, “We keep it, I guess.”
The operation stemmed from reports by Reuters and Bloomberg, with two U.S. officials—who requested anonymity since they weren’t authorized to comment publicly—stating that the U.S. Coast Guard executed the seizure.
Why This Is Important
In an increasingly aggressive stance, President Trump has mandated a significant military buildup in Caribbean and South American waters, featuring the deployment of an aircraft carrier, several fighter jets, and thousands of troops aimed at combating drug trafficking and enforcing sanctions.
Throughout recent months, the Pentagon has initiated over 20 maritime strikes against vessels suspected of drug trafficking in Caribbean and eastern Pacific waters, resulting in over 80 deaths.
Key Information
Earlier on Wednesday, the media buzz originated from U.S. officials detailing the Coast Guard operation. They claimed that the enforcement was in line with international maritime law and targeted what Washington considers illegal crude shipments tied to Venezuela’s oil giant, Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). Neither Venezuela’s oil nor information ministries have responded regarding the seizure as of now.
Trump later confirmed the enforcement-action declaration; however, he provided no more specifics on what additional steps would be taken.
In response to inquiries about the objective behind this operation, the Coast Guard referred all questions to the White House, which hasn’t given any prompt feedback.
The announcement drove up oil prices, as analysts suggest that this move could worsen already-frayed relations between the U.S. and Venezuela. A senior official within the Trump administration characterized the action as a “judicial enforcement action on a stateless vessel” that had last been registered in Venezuela, speaking with Bloomberg.
Following the news of the tanker seizure, global Brent crude prices rose by 0.8% to about $62.35 per barrel in London, with West Texas Intermediate reaching $58.46, per data from Reuters. This operation may deter international shippers from transporting Venezuelan crude, which trades at prices compromised by U.S. sanctions and a reduced buyer base.
Maduro has persistently accused the U.S. of striving to oust him and monopolize Venezuela’s immense oil reserves, one of the largest globally. With a deteriorating oil sector that previously produced over 2 million barrels a day, the country now witnesses daily output near 1 million barrels.
This seizure is the first action that took place after Trump reiterated threats of military intervention in Venezuela on land, air, or sea. Just the day before, U.S. fighter jets buzzed over the Gulf of Venezuela, marking the closest air incursion onto Venezuela’s airspace seen since the commencement of the heightened pressure from the administration.
Trump has also hinted that land-based strikes are imminent, yet details on timing or locations remain undisclosed.
Voices from Around
Nicolás Maduro: During a rally in Caracas, he declared, “The only president backed by robust people and military support is Nicolás Maduro.”
Donald Trump: In a Politico interview, he said, “We must ensure that the people of Venezuela are treated fairly, and that includes the many who reside in the United States—this nation has been incredible to me.”
Senator Rand Paul: A Republican from Kentucky commented last week, “American citizens do not want to be sucked into unending conflict with Venezuela without public consultation or a vote. The Constitution mandates we deliberate before engaging in war.”
Next Steps
During the roundtable, Trump assured he would elaborate on the operation soon, yet provided no committed timeline.
Updates: 12/10/25, 3:02 PM ET: Article revised to include new insights and statements.
Updates: 12/10/25, 4:05 PM ET: Article revised with further insights and comments.
Updates: 12/10/25, 4:53 PM ET: Article amended with the latest comments and information.
This article contains reports from the Associated Press.
