“We just seized a huge tanker”: Trump announces Venezuela oil tanker seizure

The United States has seized a large oil tanker off Venezuela. President Trump announces the Venezuela oil tanker seizure, while Maduro condemns illegal interference and the US plans possible post-Maduro scenarios

Venezuela oil tanker seizure: Trump’s announcement – US President Donald Trump confirmed today the Venezuela oil tanker seizure, stating: “We just seized a tanker off the coast of Venezuela, very large, in fact the largest ever seized.” According to US officials cited by CNN, the vessel ‘Skipper’ was intercepted in international waters.

Attorney General Pam Bondi explained that the operation was carried out by the FBI, Homeland Security Investigations, and the Coast Guard, supported by the Department of War. The tanker had been sanctioned for years for illegally transporting crude oil from Venezuela and Iran, supporting foreign terrorist organisations.

Maduro’s reaction and rising tensions

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro condemned the action as “illegal and brutal interference” by the United States, emphasising that American military pressure in the Caribbean has intensified since August. During a rally coinciding with the Nobel Peace Prize ceremony in Oslo, Maduro called for an immediate end to US operations.

US prepares post-Maduro scenarios

Sources within the Trump administration told CNN that the White House Council is developing plans to stabilise Venezuela should Maduro leave power, whether through a negotiated exit or targeted US actions. Plans reportedly include potential “regime change” options, with involvement from Stephen Miller and Marco Rubio.

The naval deployment and ongoing raids are officially part of the war on narcotics, but officials acknowledge they also send a clear signal to pressure the Venezuelan leader. Trump, according to sources, does not rule out any option and insists “Maduro’s days are numbered.”

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