US Seizes Giant Oil Tanker Near Venezuela, Triggering Sharp Escalation. US forces have taken control of a massive oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, according to President Donald Trump, a move that significantly intensifies Washington's pressure on Nicolás Maduro's government. The vessel was described by Attorney General Pam Bondi as a tanker carrying sanctioned oil linked to Venezuela and Iran. Caracas condemned the action as "international piracy," while Maduro insisted his country would never become an "oil colony”. Washington says the ship has long been tied to illicit oil networks benefiting groups like Hezbollah and the IRGC-Quds Force. Images show US helicopters dropping Marines and Coast Guard members onto the deck, with the operation reportedly launched from the USS Gerald Ford, now stationed in the Caribbean. Brent oil prices rose slightly as concerns over supply grew. Venezuelan officials slammed the seizure as a grave crime, accusing the US of acting like “pirates”.