US preparing to 'intercept' additional Venezuelan oil tankers

The U.S. is set to intercept more vessels transporting Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week, a significant move against President Nicolas Maduro. This seizure was the first of its kind since U.S. sanctions began in 2019.

Shipping companies are now reconsidering plans to operate in Venezuelan waters due to increased U.S. scrutiny. The U.S. has created a target list of vessels for potential seizure, aimed at those transporting sanctioned oil to nations like China and Iran.

White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt stated the U.S. would not allow sanctioned vessels to operate. Legal experts noted the U.S. actions do not classify as piracy under international law.