The US Department of Justice has filed a lawsuit to confiscate the tanker Skipper and 1. 8 million barrels of oil involved in a sanctions evasion scheme to finance Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The vessel systematically concealed its routes and falsified location data.
U. S. President Donald Trump announced active negotiations with Cuba regarding its future status, using the term "friendly takeover." Cuban authorities initiated the dialogue due to economic collapse and lack of resources.
Nicolás Maduro's defense asks a New York court to drop charges due to the inability to pay for legal services. The U.S. Treasury Department is blocking funds that Venezuela is ready to provide for the defense.
The U. S. Department of the Treasury proposes to disconnect the Swiss MBaer Merchant Bank from access to the American banking system. This is due to accusations of facilitating corruption and money laundering for Russia, Iran, and Venezuela.
The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera, seized in the North Atlantic, is heading to the United States. The US accused the vessel of violating sanctions by transporting oil for Venezuela, Russia, and Iran.
Colombian Ecopetrol cannot import gas from Venezuela due to the lack of a US permit and the unsatisfactory condition of the gas pipeline. The country is looking for alternatives to overcome the fuel shortage.
Venezuela's interim government is distancing itself from Havana, rejecting the services of Cuban intelligence and medical personnel. This comes amid US pressure aimed at dismantling the left-wing alliance.
Colombia and Venezuela have made progress in negotiations on resuming natural gas trade. The parties have agreed on the technical parameters for restarting the cross-border gas pipeline "Antonio Ricaurte," which has been out of operation for over a decade.
The tanker "Sea Horse" with 200,000 barrels of Russian diesel fuel is heading to Cuba, despite US sanctions. The vessel is expected to arrive in Havana in early March 2026.
Venezuela's National Assembly unanimously approved an amnesty law that could free hundreds of political prisoners. However, the law does not apply to those accused of facilitating military actions against the country.
Donald Trump may order large-scale strikes on Iran that would last several weeks. This operation would likely be a joint American-Israeli campaign.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has begun naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. This comes amid rising tensions with the US and the resumption of nuclear program talks.
US military boarded the tanker Veronica III in the Indian Ocean after tracking the vessel from the Caribbean Sea. This is part of US efforts to stop the illegal transport of oil linked to Venezuela.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey discussed with his Baltic and Northern European counterparts the possibility of confiscating oil tankers linked to Russia's shadow fleet. The goal is to tighten restrictions on Moscow's war economy.
Anthropic's AI tool Claude may have been used by the US military in an operation to capture former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. Anthropic's rules prohibit the use of Claude to facilitate violence.
Venezuelan lawmakers have postponed the adoption of an amnesty bill due to disagreements over its application. Thousands of opposition supporters are demanding the release of all political prisoners.
The United Nations is awaiting a decision on the payment of almost $4 billion in debt by the United States. The UN Secretary-General warned of a possible financial collapse if member states do not pay their contributions.
Cuba has been left without oil imports for the first time in a decade due to the cessation of supplies by Mexico and the tightening of the US blockade. This has caused a critical fuel shortage and a humanitarian crisis on the island.
Donald Trump shared an AI-generated photo on social media where he shows foreign leaders a modified map of the United States. On it, the territories of Canada, Greenland, and Venezuela are included as part of the United States.
Cuba is preparing for a shortage of aviation fuel, which will affect international flights, while Nicaragua has closed its borders to Cuban migrants. These events are taking place amid US pressure and an economic crisis on the island.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado announced the abduction of Juan Pablo Guanipa by unknown individuals. The incident occurred shortly after his release from custody.
Two military ships carrying humanitarian aid departed from Mexico to Cuba. Thus, the Mexican government continues a long history of solidarity between the countries.
On February 8, Venezuelan authorities released at least 30 opposition figures, including key allies of María Corina Machado. This occurred amidst a visit by UN representatives and increasing diplomatic pressure.
In eastern Colombia, armed individuals attacked the motorcade of Senator Jairo Castellanos, resulting in two deaths and four people missing. President Gustavo Petro ordered the arrest of those responsible, while the Minister of Defense suspects the involvement of the National Liberation Army.
India's Reliance Industries has purchased 2 million barrels of Venezuelan oil from trader Vitol. This is the company's first purchase in almost a year after it stopped refining Russian oil.
The Russians stated that despite the state of emergency imposed against Cuba, Russia will continue to supply oil to the country as before.
Argentine federal judge Sebastián Ramos has officially sent a request to the United States for the extradition of Nicolás Maduro. Argentina insists on a trial for mass repression and torture, despite US accusations of narco-terrorism.
Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping assessed relations between their countries as "exemplary" during their first direct talks this year. Bilateral trade has exceeded $200 billion for three consecutive years.
India is diversifying its energy sources to ensure energy security, said Trade Minister Piyush Goyal. This comes after the US said New Delhi would stop buying Russian oil.
The US Treasury Department has authorized the sale of diluents to Venezuela, which is key to its oil sector. This decision allows American companies to process payments and contributes to the restoration of Venezuela's oil industry.
