U.S. Sanctions Venezuela Oil Firms and Tankers in New Pressure Move

The United States has imposed new sanctions on four oil firms tied to Venezuela. The action was announced on December 31, 2025. It also blocks four oil tankers that the U.S. says support President Nicolás Maduro’s government. The move expands a long pressure campaign. It also follows military actions at sea and on Venezuelan soil.According to Reuters, U.S. forces also seized two tankers near Venezuela in recent weeks. These steps mark one of the most active phases of U.S. pressure in years. Officials say the goal is to cut funds that flow to Mr. Maduro’s government.

U.S. Sanctions on Venezuela Oil Sector Expand

The new U.S. sanctions target tankers named Nord Star, Lunar Tide, Rosalind, and Della. Each ship is now blocked property under Treasury rules. The action affects their ownership firms as well. All assets linked to them in the United States are now frozen. Any U.S. banks or firms that violate these rules risk penalties.The U.S. says these ships are part of a “shadow fleet.” Officials say the fleet helps Venezuela move oil without oversight. According to Associated Press, the United States wants to stop any sale of oil that supports Mr. Maduro. The Trump administration says the Venezuelan leader uses oil profits to fund crime networks.U.S. forces have also acted at sea. Military units seized two tankers near Venezuela. They say another tanker is being tracked. Several strikes on suspected drug boats have taken place in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. Officials say at least 110 people have been killed since September.The CIA also carried out a drone strike last week. It struck a docking area believed to be used by drug groups. This is the first known U.S. operation on Venezuelan soil in this campaign.

Impact of the Sanctions and Rising Tensions

The sanctions increase pressure on Venezuela’s main source of revenue. The country relies heavily on oil exports. Analysts say these limits could slow the flow of oil to global markets. They may also make ship owners more cautious. Many may avoid Venezuelan routes.President Donald Trump has ordered a blockade on all sanctioned tankers tied to Venezuela. He demands that the country return assets seized from U.S. oil firms. He also claims that oil sales help fund drug trafficking. Officials say the United States will keep pushing until there is political change.The measures may raise tensions across the region. Traders may face delays and risks linked to the sanctions. Neighboring states may also see more military activity. For Venezuelans, the long-term economic impact remains uncertain.

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These U.S. sanctions on Venezuela mark a sharp rise in pressure. The campaign is aimed at limiting oil sales and cutting funds to Mr. Maduro. The sanctions will likely shape regional politics and trade in the months ahead.

A quick knowledge drop for you-

Q1: What do the new U.S. sanctions on Venezuela target?

The sanctions target four oil firms and four tankers tied to Venezuela’s oil trade. The U.S. says they support President Maduro’s government. All related assets in the U.S. are now blocked.

Q2: Why did the U.S. impose these sanctions?

The U.S. says Venezuela uses oil money to support crime networks. Officials also say the sanctions aim to weaken President Maduro’s control.

Q3: How many people have been killed in recent U.S. strikes?

At least 110 people have died since early September. The strikes targeted suspected drug-smuggling boats.

Q4: What ships were named in the sanctions?

The tankers Nord Star, Lunar Tide, Rosalind, and Della were listed. Their ownership firms were also sanctioned.

Q5: Did the U.S. carry out an operation in Venezuela?

Yes. A CIA drone strike hit a docking area last week. It was the first known operation on Venezuelan soil in this campaign.

Trusted Sources: Reuters, Associated Press, BBC News