US Seizes Sanctioned Oil Tanker Off Venezuela Coast
The United States has seized a sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, according to President Donald Trump’s announcement on Wednesday. The move sent oil prices higher and escalated tensions between Washington and Caracas.
The seizure was carried out by a US military helicopter and armed individuals in camouflage, as shown in a 45-second video posted by US Attorney General Pam Bondi. The video showed two helicopters approaching the vessel and armed personnel rappelling onto it. Bondi stated that the FBI, Homeland Security, and Coast Guard, along with support from the US military, carried out a seizure warrant for a crude tanker used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran.
The seized tanker was identified as the very large crude carrier Skipper, which was believed to have been operating under the name Adisa when it was involved in Iranian oil trading. The US has imposed sanctions on the vessel for its alleged involvement in Iranian oil trading.
Oil Prices Rise Following Seizure
Oil futures rose following news of the seizure. Brent crude futures rose 27 cents, or 0.4 percent, to settle at $62.21 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude futures gained 21 cents, also 0.4 percent, to close at $58.46 per barrel.
International Reactions
The Venezuelan government responded to the seizure by accusing the US of “blatant theft” and describing the action as “an act of international piracy”. Venezuela‘s President Nicolas Maduro stated that his country would denounce the incident before international bodies and demanded an end to US interventionism in Venezuela and Latin America.
Iran’s embassy in Caracas condemned the action as a “grave violation of international laws and norms” in a post on X. Uruguay’s Foreign Minister Mario Lubetkin expressed concern about growing tensions in the Caribbean, citing the United States’ military deployment in the region.
Sanctions and Potential Consequences
The US has already imposed sanctions on more than 30 oil vessels doing business with Venezuela. According to shipping data, these vessels could face punishment by Washington if they continue to operate in violation of US sanctions. An estimated 15 percent of the global fleet of very large crude carriers has been hit with sanctions, according to estimates from the Cyprus-based leading oil shipping company Frontline.
The seizure is the first of a Venezuelan oil cargo amid US sanctions that have been in force since 2019. It is also the administration’s first known action against a Venezuela-related tanker since Trump ordered a massive military buildup in the region.
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