The U.S. Coast Guard has recently boarded and seized multiple oil tankers off the coast of Venezuela, amidst escalating tensions between the Trump administration and Caracas. These actions exemplify a concerted effort to enforce a blockade on sanctioned Venezuelan oil, a strategy that former officials warn could severely impact the Venezuelan economy and place additional pressure on President Maduro. The U.S. has a long-standing interest in Venezuelan oil resources, with Trump asserting claims on assets he alleges were stolen by the Venezuelan government. As the administration ramps up its military presence in the region, concerns about a potential conflict and the legality of these actions continue to rise, raising questions about the implications for global oil prices and geopolitical stability.