Maximum pressure
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US Pursuit of Third Oil Tanker Deepens Venezuela Blockade
Bloomberg Television· 2025-12-22 20:17
Venezuela Situation & US Policy - The US administration's strategy towards Venezuela is unclear, specifically how to transition from current pressure to desired outcomes [2][3] - The US is employing "maximum pressure" tactics, including boarding tankers and targeting alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and Eastern Pacific [4][5] - The legality of seizing tankers, especially those not officially sanctioned, is questionable, with the focus potentially shifting to the oil cargo itself [6][7] - Despite sanctions, some legal oil tankers continue to operate out of Venezuela, with approximately one-fifth of Venezuelan oil still processed in the US by companies like Chevron [8] - Shippers are increasingly hesitant to transport Venezuelan oil due to the risks involved [9] - Chevron operates in Venezuela under a general license, processing the country's "sour" and "sludgy" oil, which is difficult to refine elsewhere [8][10] - The US is calling its actions a "quarantine" rather than a "blockade" to avoid the implications of an act of war [11] Greenland & US Interests - President Trump has not abandoned the idea of acquiring Greenland and continues to pressure the issue [15][16] - The appointment of Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry as a special envoy related to Greenland raises questions about the administration's intentions [13] - The administration's focus on Greenland may or may not be a distraction from other issues [14]
US Pursuit of Third Oil Tanker Deepens Venezuela Blockade
Youtube· 2025-12-22 20:17
Group 1: U.S. Policy on Venezuela - The U.S. administration views Maduro as an obstacle to Venezuela's future, with some officials explicitly stating that he must go [2][4] - There is ongoing pressure on Venezuelan tankers and strikes on alleged narco-traffickers, but the overall strategy remains unclear [3][4] - The administration is employing a "maximum pressure" approach, which has been a key term in U.S. foreign policy [4] Group 2: Legal and Operational Challenges - The legality of actions against tankers is under scrutiny, as the administration pushes the boundaries of acceptable legal practices [6][7] - Despite sanctions, a significant portion of Venezuelan oil is still processed in the U.S., with Chevron continuing operations in partnership with PDVSA [8][10] - Many shippers are turning their tankers around due to perceived risks associated with transporting Venezuelan oil [9][12] Group 3: Greenland and U.S. National Security - The appointment of Jeff Landry as a special envoy for Greenland indicates the administration's ongoing interest in the territory, which is tied to national security [13][15] - There is speculation about whether the focus on Greenland is a distraction from other issues or a genuine policy initiative [14][16] - The administration's persistent interest in Greenland suggests that it remains a strategic priority, despite mixed reactions from Republicans [15][16]