On December 16, 2025, U.S. President Donald Trump declared a "total and complete blockade" on all sanctioned oil tankers associated with Venezuela. This announcement is part of a strategy to exert pressure on the Venezuelan government led by Nicolás Maduro, whom Trump has designated as a foreign terrorist organization. The blockade targets Venezuela's primary source of revenue, its oil exports, and follows the recent seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker by U.S. authorities.

Trump's statements on social media indicated that Venezuela is surrounded by what he described as the largest naval force ever assembled in South America, suggesting an increase in military presence in the region. He accused the Maduro administration of using stolen U.S. assets to fund terrorism, drug trafficking, and other criminal activities, asserting that the blockade would intensify until Venezuela returns U.S. assets, including oil and land.

The U.S. military has increased its operations in the Caribbean Sea, which borders Venezuela, involving thousands of troops and several warships, including the USS Gerald Ford, the largest aircraft carrier in the world. Recent military actions have resulted in casualties, with reports indicating that at least 90 individuals have died in strikes against vessels allegedly transporting illegal drugs to the U.S.

The blockade's enforcement specifics remain unclear, including whether the U.S. Coast Guard will be involved in intercepting vessels. The U.S. has maintained a military buildup in the region, which has raised concerns about the humanitarian implications for the Venezuelan population, already facing significant economic instability and political repression.

In conjunction with the blockade, the U.S. government has imposed additional sanctions on six ships carrying Venezuelan oil and on individuals associated with Maduro's government. While many vessels transporting Venezuelan oil are under sanctions, some non-sanctioned vessels, including those operated by U.S. company Chevron, continue to operate in the region. The potential loss of nearly one million barrels per day from Venezuelan exports could lead to increased oil prices, reflecting the complex interplay of international relations and resource control.

The Venezuelan government has rejected Trump's accusations, labeling them a "grotesque threat" and accusing the U.S. of imperialistic intentions aimed at seizing Venezuela's natural resources. This situation highlights the ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with significant implications for both nations and the broader region.