US Seizes Venezuela Oil Tanker, Puts 30+ Sanctioned Vessels at Risk

• US seized a supertanker carrying Venezuelan crude, the first such action since 2019 sanctions.
• The seizure puts over 30 US-sanctioned vessels operating in Venezuela at risk of penalties.
• Venezuela condemned the seizure as "blatant theft" and "international piracy."
• The seized tanker is part of a "shadow fleet" used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela, Iran, and Russia to Asian destinations.
• The US action has prompted many vessel owners to reconsider operations in Venezuelan waters.

Why It Matters: US seizure of a Venezuela oil tanker puts global sanctioned oil trade at risk.