Donald Trump orders blockade on Venezuela’s sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving

US President Donald Trump ordered a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela on Tuesday. This move aims to increase pressure on Nicolás Maduro’s government, targeting its main source of income. Trump declared Venezuela a foreign terrorist organization, citing theft, terrorism, drug smuggling, and human trafficking. The announcement was made via his social media platform, Truth Social.

The White House has not clarified how the blockade will be enforced or whether the Coast Guard will interdict vessels. Recently, thousands of US troops and nearly a dozen warships, including an aircraft carrier, were moved to the region. Venezuela immediately rejected Trump’s action, calling it a grotesque threat. The situation has heightened tensions between Washington and Caracas.

The oil market responded quickly to the news, pushing prices higher. Brent crude rose 1.2% to $59.62 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate climbed 1.3% to $56.00. US crude futures rose over 1% to $55.96 per barrel in Asian trading. Market analysts said prices increased due to expected reductions in Venezuelan oil exports. Traders, however, are still waiting for clarity on how the blockade will be applied.

Experts have raised legal questions regarding the blockade. US presidents have broad authority to deploy forces abroad, but blockades are traditionally considered instruments of war. Elena Chachko, a law scholar at UC Berkeley, noted that the action raises both domestic and international law concerns. How Trump enforces the blockade could set a new precedent in presidential authority over foreign policy.

The move adds pressure to the already strained US-Venezuela relations. Global markets are watching for further developments. Oil-dependent countries may face economic implications if the blockade reduces Venezuelan supply. The situation also highlights growing tensions in the Latin American region and challenges for international law enforcement.

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Benchmark crude prices reacted sharply to the development. Brent Crude and Nymex Light Sweet Crude both climbed by over 10% in early trading as news of the Israeli action broke. Traders and analysts are closely monitoring the situation, concerned that further escalation could impact oil flows from one of the world’s most energy-critical regions.