Venezuela
Oil prices held steady after rising as the US considers selling confiscated Venezuelan oil, and attacks on Russian vessels and terminals heighten fears of supply disruptions. Brent futures fell to $62.01, and WTI to $57.92.
Panama's Foreign Minister said that a tanker intercepted by the US off Venezuela did not comply with the country's maritime rules and had its transponder switched off. Panama will take appropriate action against the vessel, which sailed under its flag.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated that the US campaign, including strikes on drug-trafficking vessels and interception of oil tankers, aims to deter illicit activities and demand the departure of Nicolás Maduro from power. Since early September, approximately 100 people have died as a result of the strikes.
Gold and silver prices soared to all-time highs, surpassing previous records. This surge is driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and expectations of interest rate cuts in the US.
Oil prices rose after the US tightened its naval blockade of Venezuela and Ukrainian drones attacked a Russian tanker. Brent rose to $61, WTI to $57.
Silver prices surged to a record $67. 55 per ounce, marking its largest annual gain since 1979. Gold neared its peak, hovering around $4363, driven by geopolitical chaos and expectations of Fed rate cuts.
Senator Graham suggested that Donald Trump forcibly seize vessels of Russia's "shadow fleet" if Moscow refuses peace talks on Ukraine. He also proposed imposing "crippling" tariffs on countries that finance the Russian war machine.
The United States has detained the Panamanian-flagged tanker Bella 1 near Venezuela. This happened amid an intensified oil blockade of the Nicolás Maduro regime. The vessel was en route to Venezuela for loading.
US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth commented on the seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. The US will continue maritime interdictions as part of Operation "Southern Spear" to eliminate illegal criminal networks.
The United States of America has seized an oil tanker in international waters off the coast of Venezuela. This happened after US President Donald Trump announced a "blockade" of all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.
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.