Venezuela Accuses US Of 'Greatest Extortion' In History After Trump Administration Seizes Tanker: 'Gigantic Crime Of Aggression In Progress' - SPDR Gold Shares (ARCA:GLD), iShares Silver Trust (ARCA:S

Core Viewpoint - The U.S. is accused of aggressive actions against Venezuela, particularly targeting its leadership and energy sector, amid rising tensions and sanctions against Nicolás Maduro's government [1][2]. Group 1: U.S. Actions and Accusations - Venezuelan Ambassador Samuel Moncada described U.S. actions as "the greatest extortion known in our history," particularly after the seizure of two Venezuelan oil tankers [2]. - Moncada claimed that the U.S. has demanded Venezuela to surrender its land, oil, and minerals, threatening military action if compliance is not met [2]. - U.S. Ambassador Michael Waltz stated that the U.S. does not recognize Maduro's government as legitimate and labeled Maduro as a fugitive involved in drug trafficking [3]. Group 2: Economic Implications - The seizure of oil tankers is seen as a move to weaken Maduro's regime, which relies heavily on oil revenues [4]. - The Trump administration's pressure has led to a rise in crude oil prices, which are currently trading at $58.50 per barrel, reflecting a 3.25% increase over the past week [6]. - Gold and silver prices have also surged, with gold reaching an all-time high of $4,530 per ounce and silver at $75 per ounce [5]. Group 3: Market Reactions - The United States Oil Fund LP, which tracks light sweet crude oil prices, has increased by 3.66% over the past week, trading at $70.20 per share [7].