Trump Doesn't Rule Out War With Venezuela, Threatens Oil Tanker Seizures

• President Trump stated he is not ruling out a full-fledged war with Venezuela, intensifying tensions.
• He ordered a blockade of "sanctioned oil vessels" and threatened to seize tankers near Venezuelan waters.
• Trump designated the Maduro-led government a foreign terrorist organization and noted a large US armada surrounding Venezuela.
• US Secretary of State Marco Rubio defended the policies, calling the current Venezuelan regime's status quo "intolerable."
• Despite a 2024 campaign promise to avoid foreign conflicts, Trump's administration is escalating pressure without seeking congressional war approval.

Why It Matters: Trump escalates pressure on Venezuela, not ruling out war and imposing blockades, despite past promises.