Trump's Oil War: US Seizes Tankers, Venezuela Fights Back with Private Fleet

• The Trump administration is intensifying its campaign against Venezuela's state oil sector, seizing tankers and blockading vessels linked to sanctioned crude exports.
• The US actions directly target Venezuela's oil industry, its primary source of revenue, aiming to squeeze the Maduro government's finances and force political change.
• The US has seized multiple oil tankers, including the "Skipper," in international waters, citing enforcement of sanctions against a "shadow fleet."
• Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro's government condemns the US actions as "theft" and an abuse of international law, mobilizing its navy to escort oil shipments.
• Maduro is reportedly eyeing private tankers to export oil, defying US pressure as the crackdown cripples Venezuela's economy and leaves cargoes stranded.

Why It Matters: US targets Venezuela's oil exports, leading Maduro to explore private tanker options.