Venezuela Defies Trump's Oil Blockade Amid Escalating Tensions

• Venezuela's state oil company PDVSA insists crude oil exports continue normally despite US President Trump's announced "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned tankers.
• Trump escalated pressure, citing a heavy US military presence in the Caribbean and accusing Venezuela of taking "our oil" after nationalizing its industry.
• Maduro discussed "escalation of threats" with UN Secretary-General Guterres, who urged restraint; China also defended Venezuela's sovereignty.
• The US has increased military presence in the Caribbean and seized a tanker, actions Caracas views as a bid to topple Maduro and steal oil.
• Analysts predict the blockade will severely impact Venezuela's economy, already under a 2019 US oil embargo, raising fears of intervention.

Why It Matters: Venezuela defies Trump's oil blockade as US pressure escalates, raising fears of economic crisis and intervention.