The United States has seized two oil tankers linked to Venezuela, including one sailing under a Russian flag, as President Donald Trump intensifies efforts to control oil flows across the Americas and tighten pressure on Venezuela’s socialist leadership.
The seizures took place in the Atlantic Ocean on Wednesday, marking a sharp escalation in Washington’s enforcement of oil sanctions against vessels tied to Venezuela, a key member of the OPEC oil producers’ group.
US seized Expands Sanctions Enforcement on Oil Tankers
According to U.S. officials, one of the seized vessels, the Marinera crude oil tanker, had previously refused boarding by the U.S. Coast Guard before switching its registration to Russia’s flag in an apparent attempt to evade sanctions. A weeks-long pursuit ended when U.S. Coast Guard units and military special forces, acting under a judicial seizure warrant, boarded and detained the tanker.
The second vessel, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, was intercepted near the northeastern coast of South America. Records from Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA indicate the tanker was fully loaded with Venezuelan crude. This marks the fourth tanker seizure in recent weeks, highlighting Washington’s growing focus on sanction enforcement.
‘Shadow Fleet’ Under Scrutiny
U.S. authorities said both ships are part of a so-called “shadow fleet” used to transport oil from sanctioned countries such as Venezuela and Iran.
“It was a fake Russian oil tanker,” U.S. Vice President JD Vance said in a televised interview, alleging that the vessel attempted to disguise its identity to bypass international restrictions.
White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller stated that only maritime energy transport aligned with U.S. law and national security interests would be permitted, adding that Venezuela’s energy sector could still benefit from legitimate, U.S.-approved commercial arrangements.
Risk of Geopolitical Tensions With Russia
The seizure of the Russian-flagged tanker raised concerns about potential confrontation, as Russian naval assets, including a submarine, were reportedly operating nearby. Moscow has previously condemned U.S. actions involving Venezuela, though the Kremlin did not immediately comment on the incident.
Attorney General Pam Bondi said the Marinera’s crew attempted to evade capture and ignored lawful orders, exposing them to potential criminal charges.
China Criticises US Actions
China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer, sharply criticised the U.S. move. A spokesperson from China’s Foreign Ministry described Washington’s actions as “bullying”, accusing the U.S. of using force to dictate how Venezuela manages its oil resources.
The Trump administration is reportedly pushing for agreements that would redirect Venezuelan oil away from China, while gaining access to up to $2 billion worth of crude oil.
Venezuela Crisis Deepens
Trump has repeatedly expressed interest in controlling Venezuela’s vast oil reserves in partnership with U.S. companies. Following the arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the White House signaled it may ease some oil sanctions first imposed in 2019, depending on cooperation.
Maduro appeared in a New York federal court this week on drug-related charges and pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, Venezuela’s acting leadership faces growing pressure as Washington warns of further military action if demands are not met.
Democratic lawmakers in the U.S. have raised concerns over the administration’s strategy, warning that it could amount to resource coercion under military threat.
The seizures underscore a major shift in U.S. energy and foreign policy, with oil sanctions, maritime enforcement, and geopolitical leverage converging in the Americas. Markets and global energy traders are now closely watching how these actions could impact global crude supply, OPEC dynamics, and U.S.–China–Russia relations.