Trump says, Venezuela is “completely surrounded”, orders blockade of sanctioned oil tankers

Washington escalated its confrontation with Caracas on Tuesday with a sweeping announcement that immediately rippled through oil markets and raised questions over international law.

U.S. President Donald Trump said on Truth Social, he had ordered a blockade on all oil tankers already under sanctions that attempt to enter or leave Venezuela,

According to Reuters, the decision is aimed at cutting off revenue to President Nicolas Maduro’s government, whose finances rely heavily on crude exports.

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The White House has not detailed how the measure would be enforced, but in the post, Trump claimed that Venezuela is “completely surrounded”.

Reuters reported that thousands of U.S. troops and multiple naval vessels, including an aircraft carrier, have been repositioned nearby, echoing last week’s seizure of a sanctioned tanker.

Trump justified the order in the Truth Social post, accusing the Venezuelan government of criminal activity and announcing what he called a “TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE” of sanctioned vessels.

Oil prices rise

Venezuela’s government responded sharply, rejecting what it described as a “grotesque threat,” according to a statement cited by Reuters.

The standoff follows an effective slowdown in exports after a U.S. tanker seizure prompted other loaded ships to remain offshore.

Oil prices climbed in Asian trading on Wednesday as investors assessed the risk of tighter Venezuelan supply. Brent and U.S. crude futures both rose more than 1%, rebounding from multi-year lows, Reuters reported.

Traders said prices reflected expectations of reduced exports, while uncertainty remains over whether enforcement would also affect non-sanctioned vessels.

Is it legal?

The announcement has sparked concern among legal scholars and lawmakers.

International law expert Elena Chachko of UC Berkeley told Reuters the move tests presidential authority, noting blockades are traditionally associated with wartime conditions.

Democratic Representative Joaquin Castro went further, calling the action an unauthorized act of war.

Despite sanctions, some Venezuelan oil continues to move via authorized channels, including shipments to China, its largest buyer.

Sources: TruthSocial, Reuters

This article is made and published by Jens Asbjørn Bogen, who may have used AI in the preparation