U.S. Seizes Venezuelan-Linked Oil Tanker as Pressure Builds

U.S. authorities seized another Venezuelan-linked oil tanker in the Caribbean, targeting the vessel Veronica for alleged ties to the Maduro regime. The tanker left Venezuelan waters empty, but the move marks the latest effort to tighten pressure on Venezuela’s oil trade.

The seizure comes as the International Monetary Fund signals it will only restore relations if most member nations recognize a new Venezuelan government. In Caracas, thousands participated in the Divina Pastora pilgrimage amid political uncertainty, while Acting President Delcy Rodríguez, in her first address, declared a “new era” and pledged further releases of political prisoners. Former leader Nicolás Maduro remains in U.S. custody in New York as Venezuela’s transition continues under strain.