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US Coast Guard Pursues Tanker Linked to Venezuelan Oil Amid Sanctions

KVIA•Sunday, December 21, 2025 at 9:05 PM•CNN Newsource

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The United States is actively pursuing the tanker Bella 1 in international waters near Venezuela, as part of an intensified crackdown on the country's oil industry under President Trump's administration. This vessel is under US sanctions for its connections to Iranian oil and is considered part of a shadow fleet involved in illegal oil transportation. The Coast Guard's pursuit follows a recent interception of another tanker, Centuries, which was also carrying sanctioned Venezuelan oil. These actions are part of a broader strategy to undermine Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro's regime, which has been accused of facilitating drug trafficking and illegal migration. The situation escalates tensions as Venezuela vows to defend its sovereignty against what it calls a

Key Details: • The Bella 1 is under US sanctions for links to Iranian oil. • Recent operations include the interception of the Centuries tanker. • Venezuela's Vice President condemned the US actions and plans to report them to the UN. • Trump's administration has ordered a complete blockade of sanctioned tankers. • Venezuela's oil production is significantly hindered by international sanctions.

trump sanctions venezuela oil us-coast-guard

People & Organizations

Donald TrumpKristi NoemDelcy RodríguezVenezuelaHoustonUS Coast GuardDefense Department

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