The U.S. government recently seized the crude oil tanker Skipper off the coast of Venezuela, which was reportedly transporting nearly 2 million barrels of heavy crude oil destined for Cuba. This action has drawn condemnation from Cuban officials, who labeled it an "act of piracy and maritime terrorism," asserting that it violates international law and undermines Venezuela's right to trade its natural resources freely.

The seizure is seen as part of a broader U.S. strategy aimed at exerting maximum pressure on both Venezuela and Cuba, exacerbating existing economic hardships for their populations. Analysts note that while Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro's government could retaliate against U.S. oil interests, such actions would likely harm his regime more than the United States.

In the context of U.S. sanctions, imports of Venezuelan crude have significantly decreased, with current exports estimated at 130,000 to 150,000 barrels per day, down from nearly 300,000 barrels previously. Most of Venezuela's oil is now exported to Asia, particularly China, through intermediaries. Despite the ongoing flow of crude, the likelihood of Caracas taking aggressive actions against U.S. companies like Chevron, which operates under strict licensing conditions, is viewed as limited due to the potential repercussions on its own revenue.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado has publicly endorsed U.S. President Donald Trump's strategy against Maduro, expressing gratitude for the heightened focus on Venezuela in U.S. national security discussions. Machado, who recently accepted a Nobel Peace Prize in Norway, acknowledged that while sanctions and military actions could exacerbate the suffering of ordinary Venezuelans, they are intended to counteract Maduro's alleged abuses and promote long-term benefits for the population.

Machado's statements reflect a complex interplay between U.S. foreign policy and the humanitarian implications for Venezuelans, as she advocates for continued international pressure on the Maduro regime. She emphasized the need for international cooperation to establish democratic institutions following a potential transition of power, while also acknowledging the risks posed to the impoverished population.

The U.S. continues to face criticism for its actions, with concerns raised about the humanitarian impact of sanctions and military strategies. However, the Maduro regime's capacity to respond militarily is limited, as its navy has suffered from years of neglect, making any aggressive maritime actions unlikely without provoking a significant U.S. military response. Diplomatic avenues remain constrained, with past legal challenges against U.S. sanctions proving largely unsuccessful.