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.
US President Donald Trump said that the US would "very soon" start stopping suspected Venezuelan drug traffickers by land. This is a continuation of efforts that already stop about 85% of drug trafficking by sea.
The administration of US President Donald Trump is expanding its powers regarding Venezuela, classifying Nicolás Maduro and his allies as members of a foreign terrorist organization. This will allow for new sanctions and provide the US with expanded military capabilities to strike Venezuelan territory.
In the US, the Trump administration is considering a new phase of actions against the regime of Nicolás Maduro in Venezuela. The US could launch new operations in the coming days, including covert actions aimed at removing Maduro.
The head of the Main Intelligence Directorate, Kyrylo Budanov, reported that a Russian contingent of over 120 military personnel is present in Venezuela under the command of Colonel General Oleg Makarevich, who commanded the 'Dnipro' group of forces and organized the undermining of the Kakhovka HPP.
Fatima Bosch from Mexico became the new "Miss Universe" in Thailand, concluding a season of beauty pageants marked by scandals. Previously, a participant left the event due to an insult, and two judges resigned, accusing the organizers of rigging.
A video is gaining popularity online in which US President Donald Trump calls a journalist a "piggy" during a conversation about the Epstein case.
Venezuelan President Maduro is ready for direct talks with the US administration, despite increasing military and economic pressure. This statement came after Donald Trump did not rule out the possibility of deploying ground troops in Venezuela.
US President Donald Trump said he does not rule out the possibility of a US military ground operation in Venezuela. He also expressed readiness to talk on the phone with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.
The US Navy's Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group entered the Caribbean Sea on November 16, joining US forces in the region. This comes amid rising tensions and the Trump administration's efforts to combat criminal networks.
