The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela in the Atlantic Ocean, escalating President Donald Trump’s aggressive strategy to control oil flows in the Americas and exert direct pressure on Venezuela’s energy sector.
U.S. Coast Guard and military forces intercepted the vessels on Wednesday as part of a broader enforcement campaign targeting ships transporting sanctioned crude oil tied to Venezuela.
One of the vessels, the Marinera, had previously sailed under a different name and flag before switching to Russia’s flag in what U.S. officials described as an attempt to evade sanctions enforcement. The tanker was seized following a weeks-long pursuit after it refused boarding orders last month.
A second tanker, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, was also intercepted near the northeastern coast of South America.
The vessel was reportedly fully loaded with Venezuelan crude oil and marks the fourth tanker seized by U.S. authorities in recent weeks as Washington intensifies efforts to dismantle what it describes as Venezuela’s “shadow fleet.”
U.S. officials said the seized tankers are part of a network used to move sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran through opaque shipping arrangements designed to bypass international restrictions.
The administration has made clear that maritime energy transport inconsistent with U.S. law and national security interests will not be tolerated.
The seizures come days after U.S. forces carried out a military operation in Caracas that resulted in the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The operation has significantly escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas, with Venezuela’s government condemning the action as an act of aggression while U.S. officials framed it as a necessary step against alleged criminal activity.
President Trump has openly stated that the United States intends to assert control over Venezuela’s vast oil reserves and determine how and where the country’s crude is sold. Senior administration officials have indicated that Venezuela will be permitted to sell oil only under terms that align with U.S. economic and strategic interests.
At the same time, the White House has confirmed plans to selectively roll back certain sanctions imposed on Venezuelan oil in 2019.
The partial easing is intended to allow U.S.-approved transactions, including plans to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude currently stranded under sanctions.
The policy shift has raised concerns among global energy markets, with crude prices falling on expectations of increased supply if U.S.-controlled Venezuelan oil re-enters the market.
Investors are closely monitoring developments for their potential impact on OPEC dynamics, global supply balances, and geopolitical risk premiums.
The seizures have also drawn sharp reactions from China and Russia. China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer, condemned the U.S. actions as coercive and accused Washington of using force to dictate how Venezuela manages its natural resources.
Russia has also criticized the seizures, warning of heightened confrontation amid already strained relations with the West.
Within the United States, the administration has briefed lawmakers on the unfolding situation. Some members of Congress have raised concerns over the precedent set by seizing foreign vessels and detaining a sitting head of state, while others have backed the administration’s hardline approach toward Venezuela.
Venezuela’s state oil company, PDVSA, confirmed it is in negotiations with the United States and said discussions are focused on commercially viable arrangements that are legal and transparent.
However, U.S. oil companies remain cautious about re-entering Venezuela, citing policy uncertainty and geopolitical risk.
As Washington tightens enforcement at sea while selectively reopening pathways for controlled oil sales, the United States is repositioning itself as the central gatekeeper of Venezuelan energy exports.
