Venezuela–US Tensions (November 2025)

In November 2025, tensions between Venezuela and the United States have escalated into a security and diplomacy-focused crisis, driven by increased military deployments in the Caribbean, operations conducted in international waters, and mutual political statements from both nations.

General Framework

By the end of November 2025, relations between Venezuela and the United States (US) have entered a period marked by intense use of military pressure and hardened mutual political rhetoric. Under President Donald Trump’s administration, the US has expanded its military presence in the Caribbean citing the need to combat drug trafficking and irregular migration. Following a military deployment order issued in August 2025, naval and air capabilities in the region were significantly enhanced. During this period, operations were conducted against vessels suspected of carrying drugs in international waters; at least 83 people were reported killed in 21 attacks on such vessels over a two-month period. The Caracas government asserts that these operations are part of a broader strategy aimed at regime change in Venezuela and accuses the US of violating its national sovereignty.

On 26 November 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, in a speech at the Fuerte Tiuna Military Academy in Caracas, stated that his country was passing through a decisive moment in its existential history. He reported that thousands participated in anti-US demonstrations held that same day under the banner of the “Flag and Sword March of Liberator Simon Bolivar.” Maduro confirmed that the population, the armed forces, and militia units had been mobilized in preparation for a potential attack.

US Military Pressure and Military Buildup in the Caribbean

The Trump administration has taken steps, in line with a previously signed executive order, to enable more intensive use of the military in a “local combat” strategy against Latin American drug cartels. At the end of August 2025, the US dispatched a naval force including submarines and missile-equipped warships toward Venezuela’s coastal waters. It was reported that the USS Gerald R. Ford, described as the world’s largest aircraft carrier, along with its strike group, had arrived in Latin America.

The Venezuelan government views this military buildup in the Caribbean as a serious threat and a potential preparation for invasion. Maduro announced that approximately 4.5 million members of the national militia had been mobilized and affirmed that the armed forces were ready to respond to any possible attack. Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, in a statement on 23 November 2025, labeled the US “one of the greatest and most destructive empires in human history” and stated that Venezuela was responding with “unyielding resolve” to the threats it had faced for weeks.

The US continues to target vessels alleged to originate from Venezuela in its drug interdiction operations conducted in international waters. These operations have sparked international legal debate due to the lack of publicly shared concrete evidence and the high number of casualties. According to information dated 21 November 2025, 21 vessels have been subjected to aerial attacks since the deployment order was issued, resulting in a total of 83 deaths.

Allegations of CIA Authorization for Covert Operations

According to reports citing the New York Times on 19 November 2025, President Trump is alleged to have granted the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) authority to conduct covert military operations against Venezuela. The reports claim that, amid escalating tensions, Trump approved additional measures to prepare for a possible military intervention and authorized intelligence units to carry out clandestine operations within the country.

The same report states that Trump reportedly approved an informal diplomatic outreach to the Caracas government, during which signals were allegedly given that Maduro might consider stepping down. It is claimed that during these talks Maduro indicated readiness to grant access to Venezuela’s oil resources to US energy companies. However, no clear outcome of these secret negotiations has been confirmed; reports only discuss possible scenarios.

Historical Context of the Reward Program Targeting Maduro

Tensions between Trump and Maduro have evolved through various stages since at least 2017. Sanctions were imposed on Maduro in 2017, and relations further deteriorated in 2019 when the US recognized opposition leader Juan Guaidó’s claim to the presidency. In the final year of Trump’s first term, a $15 million reward was announced for information leading to Maduro’s capture; similarly, substantial rewards were offered for the arrest of high-ranking officials including the Defense Minister and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court.

During the Joe Biden administration, the reward amount was increased to $25 million. Upon Trump’s return to office in January 2025, the reward was raised once again to $50 million. This amount is recorded as one of the highest rewards ever offered by the US for a foreign head of state.

US Attorney General Pam Bondi, while announcing the reward, argued that Maduro “will not go unpunished” and must answer for the crimes he is alleged to have committed. The Trump administration justifies this reward policy within the framework of combating drug trafficking and illegal migration, accusing the Maduro government of facilitating illegal drug and migrant flows into the US.

Venezuelan Government Statements

On 26 November 2025, Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro stated in a speech that his country was passing through an existential phase. He reported that thousands participated in demonstrations held in Caracas that day under the “Flag and Sword March of Liberator Simon Bolivar.” Maduro confirmed that the population, armed forces, and militia units had been mobilized in anticipation of a possible attack.

In another statement on 25 November 2025, Maduro declared, “No matter what they do or how they do it, they will not take over Venezuela.” Vice President Delcy Rodriguez, in a statement on 21 November 2025, accused the US of aiming to turn Venezuela into its “51st state” and claimed that opposition leader María Corina Machado was acting in alignment with this objective. Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello stated that security forces would operate alongside the people in the event of a potential invasion or emergency.

Defense Ministry and Military Statements

Venezuelan Defense Minister Vladimir Padrino Lopez, in a statement on 23 November 2025, affirmed that Venezuela was responding to the US’s weeks-long threats with “unyielding resolve.” Lopez accused the US of threatening Venezuela with bomber aircraft, missile-equipped warships, and nuclear-powered submarines.

Lopez also referred to military exercises conducted off the coasts of Trinidad and Tobago, asserting that no naval or air deployment could undermine Venezuela’s independence and that the country’s freedom and sovereignty were non-negotiable.

US Congressional Statements, Cartel de los Soles, and the Oil Issue

US Representative Maria Salazar, in a statement on 25 November 2025, declared that the US was “about to enter Venezuela” and claimed that conditions were ripe for the removal of the Maduro government. Salazar alleged that Venezuelan territory was being used by actors such as Iran, Hezbollah, Hamas, Cuba, and Nicaragua, and identified the country with a criminal network known as “Cartel de los Soles.” It was reported that during the same period, Cartel de los Soles was added to the US list of Foreign Terrorist Organizations.

The same statements emphasized that Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves and suggested that a potential change in government could yield positive outcomes for the US economy. Analyses dated 25 November 2025 noted that US oil sanctions imposed since 2019 had redirected Venezuela’s exports toward Asian markets such as Russia, China, and India. These analyses also indicated that during a potential meeting between Trump and Maduro, Venezuela might offer concessions on oil production and exports in exchange for a relaxation of sanctions.

US President’s Statements and Information on Possible Talks

On 21 November 2025, US President Donald Trump stated that he could meet with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro in the near future and referred to “specific messages” to be conveyed during such a meeting.

In statements on 19 November 2025, Maduro suggested that a potential US military intervention against Venezuela could represent a “political end” for Trump and claimed that certain circles were attempting to push the US president toward armed conflict. Nevertheless, Maduro affirmed that his government remained open to a “face-to-face” meeting with the US and preferred the continuation of diplomatic engagement.

Information reported on 26 November 2025 stated that during a visit to Florida, Trump said the Venezuela issue could be resolved “the easy way,” but that “the hard way” remained an option if necessary.

Regional and International Reactions

Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez, in a statement on 25 November 2025, characterized the US military presence in the Caribbean as “exaggerated and aggressive,” asserting that these activities aimed to overthrow the Maduro government by force. Rodriguez warned that such an intervention would violate international law and risk widespread instability and high casualties in the region, calling on the American public to demand an end to these policies.

During the same period, some Caribbean leaders adopted a cautious stance toward US anti-drug operations, emphasizing restraint and diplomatic solutions. In contrast, Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s early September 2025 statement advocating that the US “kill drug traffickers violently” was criticized by opposition groups and some regional actors, with concerns raised that such rhetoric could undermine solidarity within CARICOM.

Maduro’s Directive to the Military

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro issued a directive to the Air Force to “stand ready” in anticipation of a potential US attack. Speaking at a ceremony in Caracas commemorating the 105th anniversary of Bolivarian Military Aviation, Maduro stated: “Imperialist foreign powers continuously threaten the peace of the Caribbean Sea, South America, and Venezuela with false and exaggerated justifications that neither the US public nor the global public nor the strong Venezuelan public believe in. Today in Venezuela, there is no threat or aggression intended to frighten our people. This people have calmly prepared to defend their homeland, territory, seas, skies, and history under the leadership of Bolivar.”

US Defense Secretary’s Visit to Warships

US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visited the USS Gerald R. Ford, the world’s largest aircraft carrier, on 28 November 2025, which had been deployed to the Caribbean under the justification of combating drug trafficking. He hosted a Thanksgiving meal for the crew aboard the vessel.

USA–Venezuela Telephone Call and Airspace Tension

Throughout 2025 the US administration launched an extensive military buildup in the Caribbean, particularly from September onward. The US government justified this deployment as necessary for operations targeting vessels accused of drug trafficking and for intercepting shipments allegedly originating from Venezuela. During the period from September to November 2025, numerous vessels in Venezuelan waters were targeted; these operations sparked international debates over “extrajudicial executions” and “overreach of legal authority.” US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth defended the operations as conducted “in accordance with the law.”

Venezuelan authorities interpreted the US operations as violations of sovereignty and an unlawful military pressure campaign. They stated that the majority of casualties were Venezuelan and that the operations had an “illegal” character. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez noted that since 2 September 2025, twenty vessels had been targeted on suspicion of carrying drugs, and according to media reports, at least 83 people had lost their lives in these attacks.

Trump–Maduro Telephone Call

On 30 November 2025, President Donald Trump confirmed, in response to journalists’ questions, that he had held a telephone call with Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Trump did not specify the exact date of the call but affirmed its occurrence with the statement “Yes, I spoke with him.” The content of the conversation was not disclosed to the public; Trump only confirmed that a call had taken place and stated he could not say whether it had gone “well or badly.”

The possibility of a potential face-to-face meeting in the United States was also raised during the call. The Maduro administration made no public statement regarding the call. At a press conference on 30 November, National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez declined to comment, stating that the telephone conversation was not on the agenda.

Airspace Announcement and Diplomatic Implications

One day before confirming the telephone call, on 29 November 2025, Trump announced on his social media account that the airspace above and around Venezuela must be “completely closed.” In his post he wrote: “All air routes, pilots, drug traffickers and human smugglers, please take note that the airspace over Venezuela and its surroundings will be completely shut down.”

This announcement provoked reactions both domestically in Venezuela and on the diplomatic level. When questioned by journalists whether the statement implied an imminent air strike, Trump responded that too much meaning should not be attached to the wording. Nevertheless, the Caracas government assessed the announcement as an unlawful intervention violating international aviation law.

Venezuela’s Response and ICAO Complaint

On 1 December 2025, Venezuelan Minister of Transportation Ramón Velásquez Araguayan declared the US airspace announcement a violation of national sovereignty and confirmed that Venezuela had formally lodged a complaint with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Araguayan stated that the US statement fell under the category of “unlawful interference” as defined in Annex 17 of the International Civil Aviation Convention, because it spread misinformation and endangered the safety of international aviation operations. He added: “No foreign power can assume jurisdiction over Venezuela; regulation of airspace is solely within the authority of INAC.”

Warning Letter to OPEC

The Venezuelan government sent an official letter to OPEC, asserting that the US military buildup in the Caribbean posed a threat to the balance of the international energy market. National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez stated that the letter emphasized Venezuela’s determination to defend its natural energy resources and conveyed its refusal to yield to US “blackmail and threats.” Venezuela informed OPEC that the military escalation could destabilize the global oil market.

US Senator’s Attempt to Block Trump

On 2 December 2025, US Senate Minority Leader Democrat Chuck Schumer announced that if President Donald Trump were to authorize a potential military operation against Venezuela, he and Senators Tim Kaine and Rand Paul would introduce a War Powers Resolution to prevent the deployment of US forces in Venezuela.

Addressing the Senate, Schumer responded to Trump’s announcement regarding the complete closure of airspace over Venezuela and its surroundings, which raised the possibility of military action against Caracas.

Schumer stated: “I want to be very clear. If Donald Trump implements his plan to attack Venezuela, Senators Tim Kaine, Rand Paul and I will force Congress to act through a War Powers Resolution to prevent the use of US troops in Venezuela.”

Maduro’s Appeal to the USA

On 2 December, speaking at a large swearing-in ceremony for Bolivarian Community Commanders in the capital Caracas, Maduro danced to a remixed version of his own speeches, emphasizing his desire for peace with the United States.

Dancing to music before thousands of supporters, Maduro declared: “War? Never, never war. No to war, please, peace please.” Members of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV) marched along Caracas’s main avenues, waving Venezuelan flags and posters of Maduro, and chanting slogans condemning US military activity in the Caribbean region.

Telephone Call Between Donald J. Trump and Nicolás Maduro – 4 December 2025

Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro publicly confirmed that a telephone call had taken place in November 2025 between US President Donald J. Trump and himself. In a statement broadcast on state television, Maduro said the call occurred approximately ten days earlier and described the conversation as having taken place in a “sincere atmosphere.”

Maduro expressed his hope that the call could mark a “new beginning” in relations between the two countries and emphasized Venezuela’s goal of achieving a “strong, peaceful and economically stable” future.

Questions were also directed to Trump regarding the call; he confirmed that a telephone conversation had occurred but declined to comment on its content.

These statements represent one of the rare official confirmations that diplomatic contact between the United States and Venezuela had not been entirely severed despite years of strained relations.

Trump’s Land Invasion Announcement (4 December 2025)

US President Donald J. Trump, while addressing reporters after a press briefing at the White House, stated that the United States was intensifying pressure against drug trafficking originating in Venezuela and announced that “land-based operations will soon begin.” He argued that the amount of drugs reaching the United States from Venezuela had decreased by 91 percent during his term and attributed this decline to the policies implemented.

In response to the question “Did Maduro respond to your pressure?”, Trump said he had held a brief conversation with Maduro, conveyed certain points, and stated that the results would become evident in due course. He claimed that Venezuela continued to send drugs to the United States and, in addition, “sent people it should not have sent.”

The US President referred to operations against vessels suspected of carrying drugs near Venezuela and indicated that similar actions would be extended to land. He also addressed questions raised in public discourse about who ordered the killing of two individuals injured in a prior incident; he stated he did not support their deaths but endorsed the decision to target the vessels, arguing that those operating them were guilty because they had attempted to kill people in the United States.

United States Seizure of a Venezuelan Oil Tanker (10 December 2025)

Venezuela President Nicolas Maduro has condemned the United States for seizing an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast. In a speech at a public event organized by his party in the capital Caracas, Maduro described the action as “Caribbean piracy.” He asserted that this incident revealed the true intent behind U.S. policy toward Venezuela and declared the seizure an illegal intervention under international law.

Maduro noted that the U.S. seized the tanker not off Venezuela’s coast but in the Atlantic Ocean, north of the coasts of Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada. He stated that the U.S. had surrounded the vessel, deployed troops, and forcibly detained it, labeling the act as maritime piracy.

Maduro added on the issue: “The masks have officially fallen. A new era of maritime piracy targeting the entire Caribbean has begun. Claims that Tren de Aragua was defeated and that the government fought drug cartels are completely false. A truly illegal and criminal act has occurred. In a zone of peace, a commercial vessel was surrounded like a Caribbean pirate, troops were disembarked, it was forcibly seized, and the ship was stolen.” White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt defended the seizure, stating it was carried out because the tanker was transporting oil to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which is under U.S. sanctions.

Accusations of “Piracy” and “Theft” Against the United States

Maduro claimed that the United States stole the Venezuelan oil aboard the vessel by seizing it. He stated that the ship carried commercial goods and 2,000 barrels of oil, that payment for the cargo had been made in advance, and that the crew had been forcibly detained. He argued that this situation has created a new form of piracy and criminal activity in the Caribbean.

Maduro emphasized that Venezuela will defend its commercial and legal rights in the Caribbean region and announced that it has ordered the initiation of all diplomatic, commercial, and legal measures in response.

Highlighting the importance of peace in the Caribbean region, Maduro said:

“No to war for oil. We defeated the Tren de Aragua group in Venezuela and eliminated them by upholding our constitution. The imperialists do not want to pay for Venezuela’s oil. Venezuela will defend its sovereignty over its natural resources. The elite groups in power in the United States want to start a war in South America. They seek to drag the American people into another war for oil.”

Statements by U.S. President Trump and Venezuela’s Response

U.S. President Donald Trump publicly announced that the United States seized an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast. Trump stated that the seizure was carried out “with good cause” and that the tanker would remain under U.S. control. He added that further details of the incident would be shared later.

In previous statements, Trump suggested that land-based attacks on Venezuela were possible and could begin “soon.” The Venezuelan government, in response, labeled the tanker seizure as “open theft” and announced its intention to bring the matter before international authorities.

U.S. Sanctions Against Maduro’s Family Members and the Oil Sector

The U.S. administration added three nephews of Venezuela’s First Lady Cilia Flores, a businessperson linked to Maduro, and six shipping companies operating in Venezuela’s oil sector to its sanctions list. The U.S. Department of the Treasury stated that these sanctions target individuals and entities connected to the Maduro regime.

The statement alleged that the six vessels engaged in deceptive and unsafe shipping activities and provided financial resources to the Venezuelan government. It was also recalled that two of Cilia Flores’s nephews had previously been prosecuted on drug trafficking charges and were pardoned in 2022.

Maduro–Putin Phone Call

It was reported that Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro held a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin. The Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the conversation was productive and confirmed the strategic relationship between the two countries.

During the call, both sides welcomed the 19 agreements signed under the High-Level Intergovernmental Commission. It was noted that Maduro informed Putin about Venezuela’s progress toward its economic growth targets and regional stability.

Putin affirmed Russia’s continued support for Venezuela’s sovereignty and peace in Latin America.

Venezuela’s Official Response and UN Appeal (14–15 December 2025)

The Venezuelan government issued a written response to Trump’s order to block tankers. The statement asserted that U.S. threats violate international law, free trade, and freedom of navigation. Venezuela announced it would formally file a complaint with the United Nations.

In this context, Venezuela, under the signature of Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, sent an official letter to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC). The letter stated that U.S. military personnel forcibly boarded a private vessel on the high seas, detained the crew, and illegally seized Venezuelan oil. It argued that this act violated freedom of navigation and legitimate international trade and accused the United States of piracy.

Maduro’s Statements and Domestic Public Opinion (16 December 2025)

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, speaking at a meeting of the Constituent Assembly of the Working Class in Caracas, stated that his country had been under U.S. military blockade for 25 weeks. Maduro claimed that the United States sought to drag Venezuela into a scenario similar to Libya, Afghanistan, and Iraq, adding: “We do not want a new Vietnam.” He stated that the seized tanker carried approximately 1.9 million barrels of oil and described the act as open piracy. He also called on workers in the maritime sector to launch a global response.

Alleged Cyberattack on PDVSA (16–17 December 2025)

Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA announced in a statement to the national press that it had suffered a cyberattack. The statement alleged that the attack was part of the United States’ strategy to seize Venezuelan oil. PDVSA stated that the attack aimed to disrupt company operations and sought to obstruct Venezuela’s sovereign right to its energy resources.

Social Reactions

Following allegations that the United States seized an oil tanker, protests were held in Venezuela’s capital Caracas. Demonstrators labeled U.S. actions as “maritime piracy” and condemned economic pressure.

Venezuelan National Assembly Debates U.S. Blockade of Oil Tankers (17 December)

Venezuela’s National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez presided over an extraordinary session to address U.S. President Donald Trump’s directive to block the entry and exit of oil tankers subject to sanctions. During the session, the impact of the decision on the country’s energy sector and economic situation was evaluated.

Statements by U.S. President Donald Trump (18 December)

U.S. President Donald Trump, speaking to journalists at Joint Base Andrews in Washington, claimed that Venezuela had “illegally” seized energy and oil rights belonging to the United States. Trump stated that pressure on Venezuela would increase and declared:

“They took all our energy rights. Not long ago, they illegally seized all our oil.”

Trump alleged that American oil companies operating in Venezuela had been expelled and continued:

“They took our oil rights, they took everything we owned, and they will not be allowed to do this anymore. We want it back.”

Trump warned Venezuela that it would not be permitted to continue doing what it should not do, and announced that he had ordered the blockade of all Venezuelan oil tankers subject to sanctions. It was also announced that the White House would deliver a national address on the same day outlining its blockade policy toward Venezuela.

Conversation Between Nicolas Maduro and Antonio Guterres

Following Trump’s statements, Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro held a phone call with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. According to an official statement on Venezuela’s government website, the conversation addressed regional peace and recent developments.

Maduro informed Guterres about the scale of threats against Venezuela and the consequences of this situation for regional peace. During the call, Maduro criticized Trump’s social media statements and emphasized that Venezuela’s oil, natural resources, and territory belong to the country.

Maduro stated that Trump’s declarations must be rejected by the United Nations system and argued that statements targeting Venezuela’s sovereignty directly threaten international law and peace. He also drew attention to the political, diplomatic, and economic blockade against Venezuela.

The statement noted that an attack on a vessel legally transporting Venezuelan oil contradicts international norms and should be described as “modern piracy” and “barbaric diplomacy.”

Guterres was reported to have said during the conversation:

“I reaffirm my commitment to international law and the principles of the United Nations Charter. All escalation and conflict must be avoided. A potential conflict would have serious consequences for the peace and regional stability of Latin America and the Caribbean.”

Maduro’s Response to Trump’s Blockade Order

Nicolas Maduro responded to Trump’s order to block Venezuelan oil tankers in a speech at the Miraflores Presidential Palace in Caracas. Maduro evaluated the order as follows:

“Simply put, this is a warlike and colonialist initiative. The true intent has been revealed: to impose a puppet government that will surrender sovereignty and turn Venezuela into a colony.”

Maduro emphasized Venezuela’s popular sovereignty and stated that the country possesses its own laws and rights, adding:

“We are on our own land, with our own laws and rights. We are trying to safeguard these fertile lands and our children’s future. We said no to war.”

In response to Trump’s claim that “They took our oil rights, they took everything we owned, and they will not be allowed to do this anymore. We want it back,” Maduro accused the U.S. administration of claiming rights over Venezuela’s oil, mineral resources, and territory and rejected these claims outright.

Maduro affirmed that oil trade would continue, stating:

“It is not the time of pirates. Venezuela will continue trading all its products. The trade of our oil and natural resources, which belong to our people, will continue.”

Brazilian President Lula da Silva’s Mediation Offer (18 December)

Brazil President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he could act as a mediator to resolve the dispute between the United States and Venezuela to prevent a potential war in the region.

Lula da Silva, who said he had spoken with Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, stated:

“I have spoken separately with the leaders of the United States and Venezuela. We discussed how we could contribute to any diplomatic initiative, including mediation, to prevent armed conflict in our South America. If necessary, I am ready to speak again with Trump to address how to prevent a war born of fraternal conflict.”

Trump’s Statement on Possibility of Military Operation (19 December)

After issuing the order to block all Venezuelan oil tankers subject to sanctions, U.S. President Donald Trump stated that he had not ruled out a military operation against Venezuela. In a phone interview with NBC News, Trump indicated that more tankers would be seized and did not rule out the possibility of a military operation against Venezuela.

Trump responded to a question about whether the ultimate goal was to remove Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by saying: “If they are foolish enough to keep heading out to sea, they will come back to one of our ports.” He left unanswered the question of whether removing Maduro was his ultimate objective, saying: “He knows exactly what I want. He knows better than anyone else.”

Monitoring Activities Targeting Oil Tankers in U.S.–Venezuela Tensions

United States has begun closely monitoring maritime traffic near Venezuela to strengthen enforcement of existing sanctions. In this context, U.S. officials announced that a third oil tanker sailing near Venezuela is under active surveillance. This development is viewed as part of Washington’s broader economic and diplomatic pressure campaign against the Caracas government.

Legal and Political Framework of Sanctions

U.S. Sanctions

U.S. sanctions against Venezuela target the country’s energy sector, particularly crude oil exports. These measures aim to limit revenue from oil sales to the Venezuelan state and regulate trade with third countries. Under these sanctions, tankers identified or suspected of transporting Venezuelan oil are monitored by the United States and may be subject to intervention when necessary.

Monitoring Sea Lanes

U.S. authorities use their authority to track tankers on international waters, examine cargo and destination information, and issue diplomatic warnings to relevant countries to prevent sanctions violations. The third tanker observed near Venezuela has been recorded as part of this monitoring process.

Monitoring Activities Targeting Oil Tankers

Previous Interventions

The United States has previously attempted to seize or redirect two oil tankers on the grounds that they were transporting Venezuelan oil. These vessels were accused of violating sanctions by obtaining oil from Venezuela. These interventions demonstrated the United States’ determination to enforce its sanctions in practice.

Monitoring of the Third Tanker

According to official statements, the third tanker sailing near Venezuela is under active surveillance. This monitoring includes analysis of the vessel’s route, cargo status, and its connections to commercial networks. The United States has stated that no final decision has yet been made regarding the tanker but that appropriate steps will be taken if sanctions are violated.

Venezuela’s Response

The Venezuelan government has labeled U.S. tanker monitoring and maritime activities as an “economic blockade” and “maritime piracy.” Official statements assert that Venezuela’s oil exports comply with international law and that U.S. actions violate the country’s sovereign rights.

International Platforms

Venezuela has raised the option of bringing the U.S. tanker monitoring and sanctions practices before international organizations. The Caracas government has announced it may pursue diplomatic initiatives at the United Nations.

International Context of the Incident

Energy Trade and Sanctions

The monitoring of tankers near Venezuela is being closely watched in terms of global energy trade and the enforcement of sanctions. Experts indicate that such interventions may have indirect effects on international maritime trade, insurance processes, and energy supply security.

Regional Impacts

U.S. maritime sanctions enforcement against Venezuela has been assessed alongside political and economic balances in Latin America. These developments demonstrate that tensions in U.S.–Venezuela relations persist and that the maritime dimension of the sanctions policy has been strengthened.

Russia–Venezuela Diplomatic Contacts (22 December)

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil held a phone call with Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov on 22 December 2025. Gil stated that Russia is providing “full support” to Venezuela. The statement indicated that the U.S. administration’s actions targeting Venezuela were discussed.

The statement noted that the relationship between the two countries was reaffirmed on the basis of brotherhood, mutual respect, and strategic cooperation. Gil highlighted that attacks on vessels, extrajudicial executions, and unlawful actions allegedly carried out by the United States were raised. Russia reiterated its solidarity with Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro.

In the Russian statement, it was reported that Lavrov and Gil discussed the situation in the Caribbean, expressing concern that U.S. actions could pose risks to regional stability and international maritime navigation. Both sides agreed to continue consultations and coordinate efforts in international platforms such as the United Nations.

Statements by U.S. President Trump and Military Emphasis (23 December)

U.S. President Donald Trump, during remarks at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida on 23 December 2025, evaluated U.S. policy toward Venezuela. Trump stated that a “massive American fleet” was present around Venezuela and used harsh language against President Maduro.

Trump claimed that illegal migrants and criminal elements were arriving from Venezuela to the United States and that drug shipments originated from this country. He affirmed that the United States would continue targeting vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and would continue seizing Venezuelan oil tankers under sanctions. He stated that oil seized from tankers would remain under U.S. control.

Trump did not directly answer whether the ultimate goal of the United States was to remove Maduro, saying the process depended on the steps taken by the Venezuelan government. In the same remarks, he linked Colombia to drug production and trafficking.

Venezuelan National Assembly’s Legislative Measure (23 December)

On 23 December 2025, the Venezuelan National Assembly approved a law to safeguard freedom of navigation and trade in response to U.S. actions targeting oil tankers. The legislative proposal, introduced by Congressman Giuseppe Alessandrello, was approved unanimously.

The legislation aims to protect freedom of navigation and trade under international agreements to which Venezuela is a party. It prescribes prison sentences of 15 to 20 years and fines for individuals who encourage or support piracy, blockades, or other activities violating international law. The law is based on the 1958 Geneva Convention on the High Seas and the United Nations Charter.

National Assembly President Jorge Rodríguez linked the U.S. seizure of vessels carrying Venezuelan oil to historical acts of piracy. The statement noted that the Venezuelan government considers these actions violations of its sovereignty.

Maduro’s Emphasis on Global Economy and Energy (23 December)

Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro warned that the U.S. seizure of oil tankers would have negative effects on the global economy. In a letter authored by Maduro and read publicly by Foreign Minister Gil, it was stated that blockade and piracy targeting energy trade could cause instability in international markets.

The letter noted that these actions could affect not only Venezuela but also Latin America, the Caribbean, and the global economy. Maduro emphasized that energy cannot be turned into a weapon of war or a tool of political pressure. He called on the United States to end its military buildup in the Caribbean.

Maduro recalled that the Trump administration had previously launched a large-scale naval and air deployment in the Caribbean under the pretext of combating drug trafficking and reaffirmed Venezuela’s commitment to defend its territorial integrity and natural resources within the framework of international law.

Maduro’s Statements to Trump (23 December)

In response to Trump’s statements, Maduro criticized the U.S. administration’s pressure policy toward Venezuela. He stated that Trump should focus on problems within his own country and accused the United States of interfering in Venezuela’s internal affairs.

Maduro noted that the United States was attempting to exert pressure through oil and argued that this process would make Venezuela more economically and politically resilient. He also stated that agreements with the U.S. energy company Chevron remain in effect and are being implemented within the constitutional framework.

Maduro’s Statement on UN Security Council Support

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro announced that he had received “overwhelming support” from the United Nations (UN) Security Council regarding the U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers.

Maduro said: “No one can defeat Venezuela. The Security Council has provided overwhelming support regarding Venezuela’s right to free navigation and free trade.”

Venezuela’s Foreign Minister Yvan Gil, in a social media statement on the issue, claimed that Venezuela had disproved all falsehoods presented by the U.S. government during the UN Security Council meeting.

Gil said: “No country in the world—not even the United States’ historical allies—has endorsed the use or threat of force to subjugate a sovereign and free nation under the false pretext of fighting drugs. During the Council meeting, acts of piracy on the high seas aimed at seizing oil resources that belong irrevocably to the Venezuelan people were condemned.”

UN Statement on Venezuela (24 December)

United Nations (UN) Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Khaled Khiari stated that air and maritime restrictions against Venezuela risk further limiting the government’s financial capacity to deliver essential public services.

Khiari noted that Venezuela currently has a “highly fragile” economy and that millions of people are unable to meet their basic needs. He assessed that the country is struggling with rising inflation and income erosion.

Venezuela’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Samuel Moncada, described the U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers as “state piracy.” In his speech at the UN meeting, Moncada criticized the Trump administration’s stance toward Venezuela.

NYT C-17 Allegation

As political tensions between the United States and Venezuela continue, it has been alleged that the U.S. government has sent its military C-17 aircraft at least 16 times to the Caribbean region to transport troops and equipment. According to flight data analyzed by the New York Times (NYT), the United States’ military pressure on Venezuela is ongoing.

According to the data, C-17 heavy cargo aircraft, primarily used to transport military personnel and equipment, made at least 16 flights from U.S. bases to Puerto Rico last week. According to air traffic control communications, some military flights were not visible on public flight tracking websites, suggesting the actual number of flights may be higher.

U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela’s Oil Trade (31 December 2025)

The U.S. administration added four companies alleged to be involved in Venezuela’s oil trade and four tankers linked to these companies to its sanctions list. The decision was announced by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) under the U.S. Department of the Treasury.

The statement indicated that some of these tankers are part of a network known in the international public as a “shadow fleet,” which facilitates sanctioned activities and generates revenue for the Venezuelan government’s destabilizing operations.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent recalled U.S. President Donald Trump’s position that the Maduro regime’s oil exports fund deadly drug trafficking into the United States and affirmed that the pressure policy would continue.

Allegation of Attack on a Venezuelan Port

In reports published in the U.S. press on the same day, it was alleged that a port in Venezuela, reportedly used by drug cartels, was attacked by the Central Intelligence Agency (CIA).

According to reports, the attack was carried out using unmanned aerial vehicles and is claimed to be the first direct military operation conducted by the United States on Venezuelan territory. The same sources reported that since September 2025, at least 26 attacks have been carried out against vessels suspected of carrying drugs in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific, resulting in the deaths of at least 104 people. The U.S. military’s involvement in these attacks has triggered international debates over “extrajudicial executions.” President Trump previously confirmed in a radio interview that a large facility linked to drug trafficking in South America had been struck.

Maduro’s Negotiation Statement (2 January 2026)

Venezuela’s President Nicolas Maduro, in a televised address, stated that Venezuela is prepared to negotiate an agreement with the United States on combating drug trafficking. Maduro said the time has come for Washington and Caracas to begin serious talks based on existing data.

Maduro also indicated that Venezuela is open to oil investments by the United States under the time, place, and conditions requested by Washington. Regarding questions about the alleged U.S. attack on a Venezuelan port, he said the matter could be addressed in the coming days.

Security Operations and International Debates

Maduro’s statements coincide with a period of international debate over U.S. military operations in the Caribbean and Pacific under the pretext of combating drug trafficking. The Venezuelan government argues that these operations violate national sovereignty, while the United States maintains that these steps are part of its fight against drug trafficking.