On Monday, President Donald Trump announced that the United States might hold onto the oil seized off the coast of Venezuela in recent weeks, as well as the ships involved in these operations. This move is part of Washington's escalating pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime.
"We're going to keep it... maybe we'll use it in the Strategic Reserves... We're also keeping the ships," Trump stated regarding the Venezuelan oil captured during recent naval operations, according to the government's post on the social network X.
However, the President mentioned that the U.S. is still considering the final disposition of the oil, leaving open the possibility of selling it on the international market or using it to replenish the nation's strategic reserves. This decision will ultimately be made by his administration.
The remarks come amid an ongoing campaign of pressure against Maduro's regime, which the Trump administration has pursued for at least four months. Initially presented as an effort to curb drug trafficking from Venezuela, the strategy has expanded to control the oil revenues of the Chávez regime.
In recent weeks, the United States has ramped up its naval presence in the Caribbean, intercepting oil tankers linked to Venezuela. Several of these operations have involved the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard, which have intercepted ships suspected of transporting or heading to load Venezuelan crude.
Trump emphasized that holding onto the vessels is part of the same maximum pressure strategy, sending a clear message to Caracas and any third countries or companies facilitating oil trade with the regime.
This measure underscores the more aggressive shift in the Trump administration's foreign policy towards Venezuela, against a regional backdrop of sanctions, military deployments, and energy tensions.
Understanding U.S. Actions on Venezuelan Oil
What will the U.S. do with the seized Venezuelan oil?
The U.S. is considering using the seized oil for its Strategic Reserves or selling it on the international market. The final decision will be made by the Trump administration.
Why is the U.S. seizing Venezuelan oil?
The seizure is part of an effort to exert maximum pressure on Nicolás Maduro's regime, initially aimed at curbing drug trafficking but now focusing on controlling the regime's oil revenues.
How is the U.S. enforcing its strategy on Venezuelan oil?
The U.S. has increased its naval presence in the Caribbean, intercepting oil tankers linked to Venezuela with the involvement of the U.S. Navy and Coast Guard.