Earlier this week, President Donald Trump announced a total and complete naval blockade of sanctioned oil tankers heading to and from Venezuela, marking a sharp escalation in his administration's pressure campaign against Caracas.
In a Truth Social post late Tuesday, Trump warned that a growing U.S. naval armada in the Caribbean — including the world’s largest aircraft carrier — would expand until Venezuela returns “all of the oil, land and other assets” allegedly stolen from the United States.
The move follows months of U.S. military deployment in the region, officially aimed at combating drug trafficking, but increasingly focused on Venezuela. After a recent oil tanker seizure and sanctions on several vessels, confrontations have intensified.
Caracas has condemned the blockade as “absolutely irrational,” accusing the United States of attempting to steal its natural wealth and violating principles of free commerce and navigability.
Beyond geopolitics, the U.S. aviation regulator issued a renewed warning to civilian operators in Venezuelan airspace, citing heightened military activity and urging caution. Many airlines have since rerouted flights to avoid the region.
For global markets and supply chains, the blockade could mean tighter oil supplies and higher shipping costs, while travelers and businesses will need to monitor further developments in one of the Americas’ most volatile areas.
As tensions mount, the world is watching how this latest confrontation will reshape energy routes, regional stability and international norms around maritime rights.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
