FBI Says Seized Oil Tanker Near Venezuela Was Supporting Terrorist Groups

Iran’s embassy in Caracas condemned the move as a ‘grave violation of international laws and norms.’

U.S. forces abseil onto an oil tanker during a raid described by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi as its seizure by the United States off the coast of Venezuela, on Dec. 10, 2025. (U.S. Attorney General/Handout via Reuters).

FBI Director Kash Patel confirmed that the bureau, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and other agencies were involved in the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela on Dec. 10, stating that it was connected to terrorist organizations.

“Today the FBI and our partners executed a seizure warrant for a crude oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela ... used to transport sanctioned oil from Venezuela and Iran,” Patel wrote in a post on X.