The USA has seized an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela: A threat to the country's exports.

According to ТСН: The American armed forces have taken control of an oil tanker near the coast of Venezuela that was subject to US sanctions.

Sources familiar with the situation report that the seizure of the ship could significantly hinder Caracas's ability to export oil, as other transporters may refuse to collaborate with deliveries from Venezuela due to the risks of US sanctions.

Currently, most of Venezuela's oil is delivered to China, often through intermediaries and at significant discounts, as the risks associated with American restrictions force traders to act more cautiously.

Official representatives from Washington have yet to comment on the incident. The state-owned Venezuelan oil company PDVSA and the relevant ministries have also chosen to refrain from public statements.

Instead, US actions in Caracas have already been described as an attempt to 'control' the country's oil reserves, which are among the largest in the world.

This incident occurred on the same day that Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado received the Nobel Peace Prize.

The state-owned company PDVSA controls the country's oil industry and collaborates with international firms. For example, the American company Chevron Corp. has oil extraction projects in Venezuela, and the US grants Chevron a special license allowing it to operate without sanctions.

Previously, it was reported that US President Donald Trump had summoned security and diplomatic leaders to the White House to discuss further steps regarding Venezuela.

Trump also confirmed that he had spoken by phone with Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, but he refused to disclose details of the conversation.

This incident highlights the escalating tensions between the US and Venezuela in the area of oil policy. Under the control of the American armed forces is a crucial component of Caracas's economy, and it is likely that this will have far-reaching consequences for the export of Venezuelan oil on the world market. At the same time, the awarding of the Nobel Peace Prize to the opposition leader underscores the political activity in the country, which could potentially further exacerbate the situation.