Maduro Threatens U.S. Amid Rising Tensions Over Seized Venezuelan Oil Tanker
CARACAS, Venezuela — Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro escalated the diplomatic standoff with the United States on December 11, 2025, by issuing a fiery warning to his country’s adversary, declaring that Venezuela must be prepared to “smash the teeth of the North American empire.” The statement came hours after U.S. authorities seized an oil tanker near Venezuela’s coast, an action that has sharply intensified tensions between the two nations.
In a striking display captured on video, Maduro held the sword of South American independence hero Simón Bolívar while singing and dancing to Bobby McFerrin’s 1988 hit “Don’t Worry, Be Happy” at a rally. Addressing supporters, he urged Venezuelans to remain vigilant and resilient amid what he described as ongoing imperialist aggression. “In these times, things have to be different, but we must always stand like warriors, women and men,” Maduro said, according to a translated transcript. “With one eye wide open — and the other one too — working, producing, building, keeping everything running, and ready to smash the teeth of the North American empire if necessary, from Bolivar’s homeland.”
The U.S. government, led by President Donald Trump, announced the seizure of the tanker on Wednesday, alleging it was transporting oil sanctioned by the United States from Venezuela and Iran. Attorney General Pam Bondi characterized the action as a lawful enforcement of sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil exports, a key source of revenue for Maduro’s government. The seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to pressure Caracas amid concerns over human rights abuses and democratic backsliding.
Venezuela’s Foreign Ministry swiftly condemned the seizure, labeling it “a brazen robbery and an act of international piracy.” The ministry accused the Trump administration of pursuing a deliberate plan to “take Venezuelan oil without paying anything in return,” framing the incident as part of a long-standing U.S. campaign to exploit Venezuela’s natural resources. The statement drew parallels to the controversial loss of Citgo Petroleum Corporation, a U.S.-based subsidiary of Venezuela’s state oil company, which Caracas claims was seized through “fraudulent judicial mechanisms.”
“The true reasons for the prolonged aggression against Venezuela have nothing to do with migration, drug trafficking, democracy, or human rights,” the ministry asserted. “It has always been about our natural resources, our oil, our energy.” The Venezuelan government’s response underscores the deep economic and political stakes entwined in the confrontation.
The incident has drawn attention from international observers, with the U.S. Department of State reiterating its commitment to enforcing sanctions aimed at curbing illicit oil shipments and supporting democratic governance in Venezuela. The U.S. Department of the Treasury has played a central role in administering sanctions that target Venezuela’s oil sector and its financial networks.
Meanwhile, the U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency coordinated the maritime operation that led to the tanker’s seizure, emphasizing the enforcement of sanctions designed to prevent the unlawful export of Venezuelan and Iranian oil.
As the standoff continues, Maduro’s rhetoric and public displays of defiance signal his intent to rally domestic support and resist what he portrays as U.S. imperialism. The Venezuelan leader’s invocation of Bolívar’s legacy and his combative language reflect the heightened nationalism and political tension gripping the country.
The situation remains fluid, with the potential for further escalation as both sides navigate a complex web of geopolitical interests and economic pressures. The international community watches closely as Venezuela confronts mounting challenges amid a protracted political crisis and economic hardship.
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