U.S. Imposes New Sanctions on Maduro’s Relatives and Six Venezuelan Oil Tankers
GeokHub
Contributing Writer
Washington, Dec 11 (GeokHub) The United States announced a fresh round of sanctions targeting three nephews of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s wife and six oil tankers accused of transporting Venezuelan crude. The move is part of an intensified pressure campaign by Washington aimed at cutting off revenue streams that support Caracas’s government and related networks.
Officials said the individuals sanctioned include close family members who have previously been linked to controversial activities, and the blacklisted vessels are tied to shipping companies suspected of deceptive practices in moving Venezuela’s crude oil abroad. This action follows a recent U.S. seizure of a sanctioned oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast.
Under the new measures, the designated individuals and entities are barred from accessing property or financial assets held within the United States, and American companies are prohibited from doing business with them. The Treasury Department described the sanctions as aimed at disrupting the financial support system of the Maduro regime.
Related:
U.S. Prepares to Seize More Oil Tankers Near Venezuela After First Ship Intercepted
Analysis / Impact:
The sanctions are likely to add further strain on Venezuela’s already fragile oil export industry, which remains the backbone of the country’s economy. By targeting both influential individuals and the vessels that help ferry crude to international markets, the United States is signaling a stronger enforcement stance on sanctions and a willingness to escalate pressure beyond financial penalties.
For global shipping firms, the expanded blacklist increases uncertainty. Tankers tied to Venezuelan oil may face heightened legal and operational risks, encouraging some companies to curtail or avoid business in the region altogether. As a result, Venezuela may struggle to find dependable transport for its crude exports, potentially forcing deeper discounts or alternative arrangements that could squeeze government revenue.
Politically, the sanctions amplify tensions between Washington and Caracas. Venezuelan officials have criticized previous U.S. actions as hostile, and this latest step is expected to draw further denunciations. The move reflects broader geopolitical friction as both sides vie for influence in Latin America and control over key economic levers.
