Venezuela Seeks to Criminalize Oil Tanker Seizures as Trump Puts Pressure on Maduro

Venezuela's National Assembly has approved a measure criminalizing activities that hinder navigation and commerce, like the seizure of oil tankers. This follows recent U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers in international waters as part of President Trump's pressure campaign on Nicolás Maduro.  Venezuela's National Assembly has approved a measure criminalizing activities that hinder navigation and commerce, like the seizure of oil tankers. This follows recent U.S. seizures of Venezuelan oil tankers in international waters as part of President Trump's pressure campaign on Nicolás Maduro.  December 24, 2025 at 11:22AM December 24, 2025 at 11:22AM