Trump made these comments as U.S. authorities including the Coast Guard and Navy continue efforts to intercept and seize oil tankers in the Caribbean that the administration says are violating U.S. sanctions by carrying Venezuelan crude.
The Trump administration has declared a blockade on sanctioned oil tankers going into and out of Venezuela in an attempt to choke off revenue for Maduro's government, which relies heavily on oil exports.
According to reports, U.S. forces have already seized several vessels and pursued others believed to be part of a 'shadow fleet' that tries to evade sanctions by flying false flags or hiding their ownership.
Venezuela's government has sharply condemned U.S. actions, calling the seizures 'piracy' and violations of international law, and has said it will defend its sovereignty.
Meanwhile, the U.S. says its pressure campaign is aimed at enforcing sanctions and disrupting networks that support Maduro's regime and illicit oil trading.
This standoff adds to rising tensions between the two countries, with impacts on regional geopolitics and global energy markets as Venezuela's oil industry, its main source of income, comes under growing strain from U.S. enforcement efforts.
Rania Umutoni
