US Seizure of Venezuelan Tanker Prompts Tough White House Response

US, Dec 12 : The White House on Thursday strongly defended the US seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, framing it as a direct enforcement measure under American sanctions policy and leaving open the possibility of additional actions against illicit shipments in the region.

Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Department of Justice, working with the Coast Guard and the Department of War, had taken control of what she called “a sanctioned shadow vessel known for carrying black market sanctioned oil to the IRGC.”
The tanker is now undergoing a forfeiture process, with investigators interviewing crew members and gathering evidence.

“The vessel will go to a US port and the United States does intend to seize the oil,” Leavitt said, adding that the legal steps required for such a seizure “will be followed.”

White House says action is enforcement, not escalation

When asked whether the move signaled escalation or risked conflict, Leavitt insisted that President Trump views it strictly as enforcement.
“The President considers the seizure of the oil tanker as effectuating the administration’s sanction policies,” she said.

She declined to comment on whether additional maritime or on land actions could follow.
“We won’t broadcast future actions… but we’re not going to stand by and watch sanctioned vessels sail the seas with black market oil whose proceeds fuel narco-terrorism of rogue and illegitimate regimes,” she said.

Rising tensions with Venezuela; Russia’s role downplayed

The tanker seizure comes amid growing friction between Washington and Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.

Asked whether President Trump was concerned that Russia’s Vladimir Putin had phoned Maduro in support, Leavitt responded:
“I don’t think that would be concerning to the President at all.”

She confirmed Trump has not spoken to Putin about the matter and avoided commenting on whether he would accept an invitation from Colombia following his criticism of President Gustavo Petro.

Energy market implications and global reactions

The standoff also carries global energy implications, particularly amid Trump’s push to lower domestic energy costs. Leavitt did not address whether seized Venezuelan oil could be redirected into the US market.

India once a major buyer of Venezuelan crude before US sanctions tightened—is closely watching developments. Any escalation in US enforcement disrupts international supply patterns and affects refiners that previously depended on Venezuelan heavy crude.

Sanctions policy hardened under Trump’s second term

US-Venezuela relations have long fluctuated, with sanctions targeting illicit oil flows, narcotics networks and political repression. While the previous Biden administration briefly explored easing measures, Trump has restored a strict sanctions first approach in his second term.