Maduro orders his Navy to protect oil tankers through US blockade

It would appear that Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is about to test Trump’s mettle.

Trump recently seized an oil tanker leaving Venezuela, reportedly headed to Iran. Then Trump ordered a complete blockade.

Now, Maduro is upping the stakes, ordering a Naval escort for his tankers, putting the two nations on the brink of war.

Take the Boat

This all got started about a week ago when the United States seized the tanker.

At the time, Attorney General Pam Bondi posted to X, "For multiple years, the oil tanker has been sanctioned by the United States due to its involvement in an illicit oil shipping network supporting foreign terrorist organizations.”

She continued, "This seizure, completed off the coast of Venezuela, was conducted safely and securely -- and our investigation alongside the Department of Homeland Security to prevent the transport of sanctioned oil continues."

When Trump was asked what he was going to do with the oil, he responded, "Well, we keep it, I guess." And I said, Why not? Use it to top off our reserves. Free oil is good for the American people.

Stepping It Up

Trump then decided he was going to raise the stakes, ordering a complete blockage of Venezuela’s ports to ensure no more oil could get out.

Trump posted, "Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela.

“The Illegal Aliens and Criminals that the Maduro Regime has sent into the United States during the weak and inept Biden Administration, are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace. America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY."

Maduro was obviously livid at this point, already having accused the United States of piracy.

Let’s Dance

Maduro just went all-in, ordering his Navy to protect his tankers as they leave port, which will put them into direct conflict with our warships that are anchored off his coast.

This is the big squeeze, as oil is Venezuela’s lifeline, especially in regard to its trade with Iran, as this is how Venezuela obtains a significant portion of refined gasoline and gas products.

And let’s not forget, Trump is still targeting narco-terrorists, having recently conducted yet another strike that destroyed the vessel and killed everyone on board.

Democrats believe that Trump wants to start a war, as he continues to squeeze Maduro. The dictator cannot win this battle, and if I were him, I would use the bat phone to make a deal to get out of dodge with protections and call it a day. Oh, wait… he was already offered that and declined. Stay tuned, as this is about to get very ugly.