On December 19, the United States imposed sanctions on seven individuals linked to Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife. The restrictions target relatives of Carlos Erik Malpica Flores, who is accused of corruption in the oil company.
The global oil market is experiencing an oversupply of "black gold," pushing oil prices down. A record 1.3 billion barrels of crude oil are in transit or awaiting buyers in the world's oceans.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed support for Venezuela, condemning unilateral pressure. This came after US President Donald Trump ordered the blocking of oil tankers to increase pressure on the South American country.
US President Donald Trump, in an address to the nation, criticized his predecessor Joe Biden, stating that he inherited a "mess. " He did not touch upon the topic of Russia's war against Ukraine or events surrounding Venezuela.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said that Donald Trump's statements exposed the true intentions of the United States towards his country, accusing them of seeking to appropriate oil, territories, and other assets. Maduro emphasized that Washington seeks to change the government in Venezuela and gain control over its lands and natural resources.
US President Donald Trump announced his intention to regain control over oil rights in Venezuela, which, according to him, were lost. He noted that Venezuela illegally seized land and oil rights from American companies.
Venezuelan authorities have instructed the navy to escort oil product tankers. This could escalate tensions with the United States amid Donald Trump's statements about blocking the country's oil industry.
The President of Mexico is ready to mediate negotiations between the US and Venezuela to prevent a regional conflict. This happened after Donald Trump imposed a blockade on oil tankers and increased military presence in the region.
Trump ordered a full blockade of all sanctioned Venezuelan oil tankers. Caracas condemned the move as an open act of aggression, while Trump accused the government of Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking and human trafficking.
Oil quotes rose after US President Donald Trump announced a blockade for all sanctioned tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. Brent quotes rose by 0.9% to $59.46 per barrel, and American WTI rose by 1% to $55.82.
On December 16, US President Donald Trump ordered a complete blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuelan territorial waters. He accused Venezuela of stealing American assets and declared its government a "foreign terrorist organization."
US President Donald Trump has signed an order to tighten restrictions on the entry of foreign nationals into the United States. The restrictions apply to 5 new countries and individuals with Palestinian Authority travel documents, and are extended for 12 high-risk countries.
Trump has added Colombia's largest cocaine cartel, the Clan del Golfo, to the list of terrorist organizations. The US threatens to use "all available means" against such groups in Latin America.
US President Donald Trump has classified fentanyl as a weapon of mass destruction, giving the government additional powers in the fight against illicit trafficking. This move will allow the US to use military force against drug traffickers, particularly in Venezuela.
Brent crude and US West Texas Intermediate oil futures rose amid supply disruptions linked to US-Venezuela tensions, which outweighed oversupply concerns.
Iranian authorities detained a foreign oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman, which was carrying 6 million liters of smuggled fuel. There were 18 crew members on board the vessel, who were detained.
Gold prices rose 1% to a seven-week high, supported by a weakening dollar and geopolitical instability. Silver set a new all-time record, rising 10.4% for the week.
Brent and WTI crude futures rose by 0. 70%-0.75% due to fears of supply disruptions from Venezuela. This happened after the US seized a tanker with Venezuelan oil and amid cautious market sentiment.
The US plans to intercept more vessels carrying Venezuelan oil after seizing a tanker this week. This increases pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The Russian Federation and Belarus have intensified contacts with Nicolas Maduro, while the United States is increasing pressure on Venezuela. Putin confirmed his support for Maduro, and Lukashenka met twice with the Venezuelan ambassador, hinting at possible asylum.
Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado made her first public appearance in Norway in 11 months after her daughter accepted the Nobel Peace Prize on her behalf. Machado fled Venezuela via Curaçao to attend the ceremony in Oslo.
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 84 a barrel, while US West Texas Intermediate crude traded at $60.16. Investors are anticipating a Fed interest rate cut and monitoring geopolitical risks related to supplies from Russia and Venezuela.
War Minister Pete Heggset said the US supports its commanders' decisions to strike suspected vessels smuggling drugs from Venezuela. Strikes against drug traffickers will continue, although it is now difficult to find drug boats in the waters.
Fighters of the Active Actions Department of the Main Intelligence Directorate of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine used drones to attack Russian radars and air defense system launchers in Donbas. A 9A83 launcher from the S-300V air defense system and two 1L125 Niobium-SV radar stations were destroyed.
Brent crude futures rose to $63. 24, WTI to $59.42. This comes amid an assessment of risks from drone strikes on Russian energy facilities and escalating US-Venezuela relations.
On November 21, Donald Trump, in a phone conversation, gave Nicolas Maduro until November 28 to safely leave Venezuela. The next day, Trump announced the closure of the country's airspace.
US President Donald Trump confirmed a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro but did not provide any details. Trump also commented on his warning about closing Venezuelan airspace, stating that it was not a signal for an airstrike.
The Venezuelan government condemned US President Donald Trump's statement about closing the airspace over the country, calling it a "colonialist threat. " Trump earlier announced a complete closure of the airspace over and around Venezuela, without providing details.
Donald Trump addressed airlines, drug traffickers, and human traffickers, urging them to consider the airspace over Venezuela completely closed. The US President had previously not ruled out the possibility of a ground operation and recognized Maduro as a member of a terrorist organization.
Peruvian President Jerry announced his intention to declare a state of emergency due to the blockade of the Tacna–Arica border by migrants from Chile. The situation is deteriorating, leading to traffic jams and increased military control.
