Maduro dials Putin to arm twist Trump as US prepares to seize more tankers off Venezuela's coast?
Published on: Dec. 12, 2025, 6 p.m. | Source: Hindustan Times
Tensions in the Caribbean escalated further after the United States seized a Venezuelan oil tanker accused of transporting sanctioned crude from Venezuela and Iran. Video released by Attorney General Pam Bondi showed armed U.S. forces rappelling from helicopters onto the vessel in a major maritime operation linked to Washington’s anti–narco-terrorism efforts. President Trump intensified the standoff by declaring the U.S. would “keep” the seized oil and hinting at possible land operations against Venezuela. Caracas denounced the move as “international piracy,” while regional governments and global actors increased pressure on Nicolás Maduro amid growing calls for political transition.
