Overview
The United States initiated a blockade against Venezuelan oil tankers on December 20, 2025, per The National News Desk and European midday bulletins. Broadcast at 12 PM ET and corresponding EU time, President Trump confirmed the action, not ruling out further escalation, linking it to regional stability efforts.[1][3]
Key Developments
- 'The US begins a blockade against Venezuelan oil tankers,' reported at timestamp 1:12 in National Desk Weekend Edition.[1]
- 'President Trump continues to escalate pressure on Venezuela,' with remarks aired midday Saturday.[1]
- Coincides with 'strikes coincide with Donald Trump's announcement of a total blockade,' per Latest News Bulletin at 10-second mark.[3]
- Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered related Pacific strikesacific" class="inline-tag-link">Pacific strikes Thursday, per EU report at 1:49 timestamp.[3]
Analysis
| Factor | Current Status | Implications |
|---|---|---|
| Economic | Oil tanker halt disrupts exports | Spikes global prices, hits Venezuela revenue |
| Political | Trump: 'not ruling out' more action per NBC[3] | Strains Latin ties, boosts US leverage |
| Social | Ties to narco-terror toll at 104 since Sept[3] | Regional migration pressures mount |
Expert Reactions
'According to the reporting by US TV network NBC, the president said he was not ruling out,' EU bulletin anchor stated at 2:14, underscoring resolve.[3]
What's Next
Pentagon intensification probe ongoing; potential UN discussions January 2026.[1][3]