Trump Expands Oil Strategy with Seizure of Russia-Flagged Tanker Linked to Venezuela

Washington – The United States has widened its aggressive oil strategy in the Americas with the seizure of a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuelan crude, underscoring President Donald Trump’s determination to control energy flows in the region.

The move follows recent US actions aimed at reshaping Venezuela’s oil sector and redirecting its vast energy resources under frameworks aligned with American law and strategic interests.

US forces intercepted the tanker Marinera in the Atlantic Ocean after it allegedly evaded sanctions enforcement and changed its flag in an attempt to continue operations linked to Venezuelan oil.

Officials said the vessel had previously refused to be boarded and was suspected of transporting crude in violation of US-imposed restrictions on Venezuela’s energy exports.

The operation was carried out by the US Coast Guard and military special forces, with support from allied forces, highlighting a coordinated international effort to curb sanctions evasion.

British military assets assisted in the operation, with London describing the action as part of broader global measures to enforce sanctions and protect international maritime rules.

Although the tanker was reportedly empty at the time of seizure, US authorities maintain that it played a role in moving sanctioned Venezuelan oil through covert shipping routes.

In a separate action, US forces also intercepted another tanker carrying Venezuelan crude near the northeastern coast of South America, marking the fourth such seizure in recent weeks.

Washington has made clear that only energy shipments compliant with US law and national security objectives will be permitted to move freely across regional waters.

Senior White House officials emphasized that Venezuela’s energy sector could unlock significant economic potential if channeled through authorized and transparent commercial arrangements.

The seizure comes as President Trump pushes forward a broader plan to revive Venezuela’s oil industry while bringing it firmly under US influence and oversight.

Trump has announced intentions to refine and sell up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude currently stranded due to sanctions and blockades.

According to the administration, revenues from these sales would be controlled by the US government to ensure they are used in ways that benefit both Venezuelans and American economic interests.

The strategy is already having an impact on global energy markets, with oil prices dipping on expectations that additional supply could soon be released.

China, Venezuela’s largest oil buyer in recent years, has strongly criticized the US actions, accusing Washington of coercion and unilateral control over another country’s resources.

Beijing has warned that the redirection of Venezuelan oil away from Chinese markets represents a troubling precedent in global energy trade.

Russia has also expressed concern, particularly as US operations occurred in proximity to Russian naval assets, raising the risk of heightened geopolitical tension.

Despite international criticism, the Trump administration argues that firm control over Venezuelan oil is necessary to stabilize the country and integrate it into a US-led energy framework.

Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves, yet years of mismanagement and isolation have reduced its production to a fraction of its historic capacity.

US officials believe that with limited initial investment, production could rise by several hundred thousand barrels per day in the near term.

A full recovery to previous output levels, however, would require sustained investment, political stability, and long-term cooperation with international energy companies.

The developments have also reshaped Venezuela’s internal political landscape, with opposition hopes for an immediate democratic transition placed on hold.

Washington appears focused on restoring oil output first, viewing economic revival as a foundation for longer-term political change.

Regional allies have expressed unease over the scale of US intervention, even as they acknowledge the strategic importance of energy security.

As Trump continues to link foreign policy with oil diplomacy, Venezuela has become a central test case for how energy power can be used to reshape alliances.

The seizure of the tanker signals that the US is prepared to use military, economic, and legal tools to enforce its vision of order in global energy markets.