🇺🇸 U.S. Seizes Sanctioned Venezuelan Oil Tanker; Tensions Rise Between Washington and CaracasIn a move that has escalated diplomatic tensions, U.S. forces operating under President Donald Trump’s administration seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela. According to American officials, the vessel was linked to companies previously blacklisted for violating U.S. sanctions on Caracas.The operation took place in international waters, but close to Venezuelan territory, prompting sharp criticism from the Nicolás Maduro government. Venezuela condemned the action, calling it an “act of theft” and accusing Washington of attempting to economically suffocate the country.U.S. officials, however, defended the seizure, stating that the tanker was transporting crude oil in violation of sanctions aimed at pressuring the Maduro regime. They emphasized that such actions are part of America’s broader effort to restrict the financial networks supporting the Venezuelan government.The incident had an immediate impact on global energy markets. Oil prices rose slightly following news of the seizure, as traders reacted to potential disruptions in Venezuelan exports and increased geopolitical uncertainty.The Venezuelan foreign ministry issued a formal protest and vowed to take the matter to international forums, while U.S. authorities signaled that more enforcement actions may follow if Venezuela continues to bypass sanctions.This development comes at a time of already strained relations between the two nations, with Washington continuing to push for democratic reforms in Venezuela and Caracas accusing the U.S. of interference.