Venezuela Calls U.S. Naval Blockade "Irrational" and a "Grotesque Threat"

The Venezuelan government on Wednesday condemned President Donald Trump’s announcement of a total blockade on sanctioned oil tankers as "irrational" and a "grotesque threat." In an official statement, Caracas accused the U.S. of attempting to impose a military maritime blockade to "steal wealth that belongs to our nation."

1. Venezuela’s Diplomatic Response

• UN Complaint: Caracas urged the UN Security Council to condemn what it called "state-sponsored piracy" following the seizure of a tanker on December 10.

• Accusations of Kidnapping: President Nicolás Maduro demanded the release of crew members, describing them as being "kidnapped" by U.S. forces.

• Resource Protection: Maduro stated that the military buildup is a plot to topple his government and seize the world’s largest oil reserves under the guise of anti-drug operations.

2. Trump’s "Total Blockade"

• Terrorist Designation: Trump labeled the Venezuelan government a "foreign terrorist organization," claiming oil revenues fund narco-terrorism and human trafficking.

• Military Pressure: Trump warned that the U.S. fleet in the Caribbean—the largest ever assembled in South American history—will continue to grow until all "stolen" assets and oil are returned to the U.S.