The United States has intensified its campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, unveiling new sanctions targeting his family members and the country’s oil-shipping network while moving forward with plans to seize oil from a tanker intercepted near Venezuela’s coast.
The latest actions signal a renewed hard-line approach by the Trump administration, which officials say is aimed at cutting off financial lifelines that sustain Maduro’s government.
Sanctions Expand to Maduro’s Inner Circle
U.S. authorities announced sanctions against three nephews of Venezuela’s first lady, Cilia Flores, accusing them of benefiting from illicit oil operations and helping the regime evade existing restrictions. The sanctions freeze any U.S.-based assets and prohibit American individuals or companies from engaging in business with them.
In addition, six shipping companies and multiple oil tankers allegedly involved in transporting Venezuelan crude were added to the U.S. sanctions list, tightening restrictions on the country’s ability to sell oil abroad, its primary source of revenue.
Officials described the measures as part of a broader effort to disrupt what they call a network of corruption, sanctions evasion, and illicit trade tied to Venezuela’s leadership.
U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker Near Venezuelan Waters
The sanctions come days after U.S. forces boarded and seized an oil tanker, the Skipper, in international waters near Venezuela. American authorities say the vessel has a history of involvement in sanctions violations, including alleged past shipments of Iranian oil.
While U.S. officials have secured legal authority to seize the tanker itself, they are still pursuing court approval to confiscate the oil cargo currently on board. White House officials confirmed that the administration intends to retain the oil once legal procedures are completed.
Venezuela’s government has condemned the move, calling it an act of “piracy” and accusing Washington of illegally targeting its sovereign resources.
Oil at the Center of Economic Pressure
Venezuela’s economy remains heavily dependent on oil exports, and U.S. sanctions have already contributed to declining production and limited access to global markets. To bypass restrictions, Caracas has relied on a complex network of tankers, intermediaries, and reflagged vessels, many of which are now under closer scrutiny.
Energy analysts warn that the latest enforcement actions could further disrupt Venezuelan exports and increase risks for shipping companies operating in the region, potentially reshaping oil trade routes in the Caribbean and beyond.
What Comes Next
The Trump administration has signaled that additional tanker seizures and sanctions could follow, indicating that maritime enforcement will play a larger role in U.S. strategy toward Venezuela.
Supporters argue the approach increases pressure on Maduro without direct military intervention, while critics warn it could heighten regional tensions and lead to international legal challenges.
For now, the move underscores a clear message from Washington: Venezuela’s oil trade, and those connected to it, remains firmly in the crosshairs.
