US Seizes Venezuela-Linked Tanker, Trump Warns Cuba on Oil Supply

The US has stepped up its campaign against Venezuela's oil trade, seizing a sixth tanker that allegedly has ties with the South American country, even as President Donald Trump warns Cuba over its oil supply from Venezuela.

Background

Venezuela, which is Cuba’s biggest oil supplier, has seen its shipments to the Caribbean country halted following the apprehension of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro by US forces¹². This comes amid the US's aggressive push to take control of Venezuela's oil reserves³⁴.

Seizure of the Tanker

In a recent operation, US forces, including Marines and Sailors from Joint Task Force Southern Spear, seized the oil tanker Veronica⁵⁶. The vessel, which was operating in defiance of President Trump’s established quarantine of sanctioned vessels in the Caribbean, was apprehended without incident⁷⁸. The seizure took place ahead of a meeting between President Trump and Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado⁹¹⁰.

Trump's Warning to Cuba

Against this backdrop, President Trump issued a stern warning to Cuba, stating that no more Venezuelan oil or money will flow to the communist-run Caribbean island¹¹¹². He urged Cuba to “make a deal, before it’s too late”, though it remains unclear what he meant by this¹³¹⁴. In response, Cuba’s president responded with defiance¹⁵.

Implications and Reactions

Critics have argued that the US's actions amount to modern-day colonialism, an accusation that arises amid its attempt to control and revive Venezuela's oil industry¹⁶. Meanwhile, the US maintains that its actions are legitimate and necessary, with the U.S. Southern Command stating that the only oil leaving Venezuela will be oil that is coordinated properly and lawfully¹⁷.

Current Status

As it stands, the situation remains fluid. The US's seizure of the sixth tanker marks a significant escalation in its campaign against illicit oil trade by Venezuela. Meanwhile, the standoff with Cuba adds another layer of complexity to the geopolitics of the region.