In a significant escalation of geopolitical tensions, the United States has executed the seizure of a massive sanctioned oil tanker off the Venezuelan coast. President Donald Trump announced the operation on Wednesday, characterizing the intercepted vessel as the “largest one ever” seized and suggesting the confiscated oil would be retained by the U.S.
The Venezuelan government issued a swift and forceful condemnation, denouncing the act as “blatant theft” and “an act of international piracy” in an official statement. The administration of Nicolás Maduro vowed to challenge the seizure before international bodies, framing it as a violation of sovereignty.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi provided operational details via social media, revealing that the seizure warrant was executed by a multi-agency task force comprising the FBI, Homeland Security, and the Coast Guard, with support from the U.S. military. Accompanying video evidence depicted helicopters approaching a vessel and armed personnel rappelling onto its deck.
The targeted vessel was identified by maritime risk analysts as the VLCC Skipper, which was allegedly flying a false Guyanese flag. U.S. authorities had previously sanctioned the tanker for its purported involvement in transporting Iranian oil under its former name, Adisa. Data indicates the tanker had been active in carrying Venezuelan crude to Asian markets between 2021 and 2022.
The immediate market impact was palpable, with oil futures reversing earlier losses to close higher. Brent crude settled up 0.4% at $62.21 a barrel, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate gained a similar percentage to $58.46. Analysts noted the event introduced fresh geopolitical risk premiums into the market, though some suggested the fundamental supply situation remained unchanged as these barrels were already in transit.
This maritime interception represents the first known action against a Venezuela-related tanker since the Trump administration ordered a substantial military buildup in the region. It occurs within the context of sustained U.S. pressure on the Maduro regime, including numerous strikes against suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean that have drawn criticism from legal experts and lawmakers over their legality and proportionality.
The Iranian embassy in Caracas joined the condemnation, labeling the seizure a “grave violation of international laws and norms.” Meanwhile, Chevron, which maintains partnership operations with Venezuela’s state oil company PDVSA, reported its activities in the country continued normally without disruption.