Photo: DHS/Handout via REUTERSThe United States has intercepted an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela in international waters, US Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem confirmed Saturday, a move that comes just days after US President Donald Trump announced a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Noem confirmed the Coast Guard intercepted a tanker that was last docked in Venezuela. White House spokeswoman Anna Kelly said the tanker contained sanctioned oil. "It also runs counter to Trump’s statement that the US would impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers." TRUMP CALLS FOR 'COMPLETE BLOCKADE'Trump on Tuesday said he was ordering "A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela."

Source: Otago Daily Times December 21, 2025 01:53 UTC