The Trump administration has dramatically escalated its economic campaign against Venezuela by simultaneously seizing sanctioned oil tankers and announcing plans to relax certain sanctions, effectively establishing U.S. control over the distribution of Venezuelan petroleum worldwide.
On Wednesday, U.S. authorities confirmed the seizure of two additional vessels—the Bella 1 (later renamed Marinera) in the North Atlantic and the M Sophia in the Caribbean Sea—bringing the total to at least four tankers intercepted this month. Both vessels were allegedly violating U.S. sanctions by transporting Venezuelan oil. The Bella 1 notably attempted evasion by repainting its hull with Russian flags and altering its course after the U.S. Coast Guard initiated pursuit.
Concurrently, the Energy Department unveiled plans to selectively ease sanctions, enabling the global sale of Venezuelan oil through U.S.-approved channels. The initiative will commence immediately with 30-50 million barrels, with proceeds directed to U.S.-controlled accounts at internationally recognized banks. The administration indicated these funds would be distributed to American and Venezuelan populations at its discretion.
Senior officials framed these actions as strategic measures to pressure the Maduro regime without military engagement. Vice President JD Vance stated, ‘We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime, you’re allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America’s national interest.’ Secretary of State Marco Rubio suggested intercepted oil would be incorporated into bilateral agreements with Venezuela’s interim authorities.
The moves have drawn international criticism, with Russian officials denouncing the seizures as ‘blatant piracy’ and demanding protection for Russian crew members. Maritime intelligence firms identified both vessels as part of a ‘shadow fleet’ facilitating oil smuggling for sanctioned nations including Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
Beyond energy controls, the administration plans to authorize equipment imports to boost Venezuela’s oil production—currently languishing at approximately 1 million barrels daily—and invest in the country’s deteriorated electricity grid to improve living conditions amid economic collapse.