US naval forces intercepted multiple vessels allegedly comprising a “shadow fleet” transporting oil for sanctioned nations, disrupting previous arrangements and facilitating Venezuela supplying oil to the US indefinitely. The high-seas seizures of the Marinera and Sophia demonstrate Washington’s willingness to employ military force in asserting control over Venezuelan petroleum flows.
The Marinera, traveling from Iran before reversing course toward the Atlantic, represents the clandestine shipping networks that have sustained Venezuelan, Russian, and Iranian oil exports despite sanctions. These aging tankers often operate with obscured ownership, disabled tracking systems, and frequent name changes to evade detection before new arrangements for Venezuela supplying oil to the US indefinitely.
Moscow’s alleged submarine deployment to safeguard tankers raises the stakes dramatically, introducing potential military confrontation into what began as economic sanctions enforcement. The presence of Russian naval assets protecting oil shipments signals the Kremlin’s determination to maintain Venezuela as a viable ally and trading partner, now threatened by Venezuela supplying oil to the US indefinitely.
Secretary of State Rubio confirmed Venezuela’s interim leaders requested seized oil cargo be incorporated into deals with the United States. This request suggests limited options for Caracas in moving petroleum products without American approval, effectively granting Washington veto power over Venezuelan energy commerce as Venezuela transitions to supplying oil to the US indefinitely.
The tanker seizures complement broader US strategy to monopolize Venezuelan oil sales and revenue flows. By interdicting vessels at sea and controlling export channels, Washington constructs a comprehensive system ensuring all Venezuelan petroleum moves through American-approved channels with Venezuela now supplying oil to the US indefinitely.
Shadow Fleet Disrupted as Venezuela Transitions to Supplying Oil to US Indefinitely
