The United States has stepped up enforcement of its sanctions regime by pursuing a third oil tanker near Venezuelan waters, according to US officials and multiple media reports. The move follows recent interceptions of vessels suspected of carrying Venezuelan crude in violation of US sanctions.
US authorities said the tanker is believed to be part of a network transporting oil to foreign buyers without authorization, often using ship-to-ship transfers and opaque ownership structures to evade detection. Naval and law enforcement assets are reportedly monitoring the vessel as it transits the Caribbean region.
Washington has tightened scrutiny of maritime traffic linked to Venezuela as part of its broader pressure campaign against the government of Nicolás Maduro. US officials argue that revenues from unauthorized oil exports undermine international sanctions and finance state activities the US considers illegitimate.
The latest pursuit comes just days after the US seized or redirected other tankers suspected of carrying Venezuelan oil. Those actions drew sharp criticism from Caracas, which has accused Washington of piracy and economic aggression.
While US sanctions allow limited oil exports under specific licenses, officials say unapproved shipments remain a key target. Analysts warn that the growing number of maritime interdictions could further strain relations between the United States and Venezuela, and increase uncertainty for global oil markets already facing geopolitical pressure.
