U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Off Venezuela, Escalating Pressure on Maduro

The U.S. government seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Wednesday as part of an intensified pressure campaign against Nicolás Maduro. President Trump announced the operation at the White House, characterizing the move as a strategic action against the Venezuelan leadership. Three anonymous officials confirmed the vessel was transporting Venezuelan oil and reported that the seizure occurred without resistance or casualties. The Venezuelan government condemned the incident as an act of international piracy and a robbery of its national oil wealth. President Trump indicated that the U.S. intends to retain the seized cargo while suggesting that further actions against the administration are currently underway.