Sanctioned Oil Tanker Seized by US Near Venezuela: What to Know

The largest tanker ever seized was linked to narcotics and crude oil, the administration said.

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, in a still image from video. U.S. Attorney General/Handout via REUTERS.

President Donald Trump confirmed on Dec. 10 that the United States seized a large oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

While the current U.S. administration says the tanker was used to transport sanctioned crude oil from Venezuela and Iran, Caracas described America’s actions as “international piracy.”