Trump says US will keep or sell oil seized from Venezuela

December 23, 2025

The Trump administration has seized multiple oil tankers off Venezuela's coast and plans to retain or sell both the crude oil and vessels, with the US Coast Guard currently pursuing a third tanker. President Trump stated these actions could pressure Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro to resign, while also announcing plans to expand military strikes from sea to land targets. The US justifies these measures by accusing Venezuela of using oil revenues to fund drug trafficking, though it has provided no public evidence for recent strikes that have killed approximately 100 people.

Who is affected

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his government
The Venezuelan population (dependent on oil export revenues for public spending)
US Coast Guard and military personnel conducting operations
Approximately 100 people killed in US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels
One person killed in a US military strike on a suspected trafficking vessel in the eastern Pacific
Crew members on seized tankers

What action is being taken

The US Coast Guard is pursuing a third Venezuelan oil tanker
The US military is building up its presence in the Pacific and Caribbean Seas
The US military is carrying out strikes on suspected trafficking and drug-smuggling vessels
The UN Security Council is holding an emergency session on Tuesday to discuss US actions against Venezuela

Why it matters

This situation matters because it represents a significant escalation in US-Venezuela relations with potential regional and international ramifications. The seizure of oil tankers and military strikes directly impact Venezuela's primary revenue source, threatening the government's ability to finance public spending and potentially destabilizing the country further. The actions raise serious legal and humanitarian concerns, particularly given the lack of public evidence for strikes that have killed around 100 people and the increasing congressional scrutiny. The situation also tests international law regarding maritime seizures and could set precedents for how powerful nations enforce sanctions, while the UN Security Council emergency session indicates broader global concern about unilateral military action.

What's next

The US Coast Guard will continue pursuing and seize the third Venezuelan oil tanker
The UN Security Council will hold an emergency session on Tuesday to discuss US actions
The US intends to expand its strike program to land targets within Venezuela
The outcome depends partly on whether Maduro chooses to step down from power

Read full article from source: BBC