In a significant escalation of tensions, former US President Donald Trump has publicly stated that he does not rule out the possibility of a military conflict with Venezuela. This statement came during a phone interview with NBC News on Thursday, following his earlier announcement of a naval "blockade" targeting the South American nation's oil shipments.
Trump's Stark Warning and Naval Blockade
When directly questioned by NBC News about whether he would rule out the potential for war stemming from his administration's actions, Trump responded clearly, "I don't rule it out, no." He further added, "I don't discuss it," when pressed on if the blockade of oil tankers could lead to open conflict.
This rhetoric follows a decisive move earlier in the week. On Tuesday, Trump ordered what he termed a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuelan waters, intensifying pressure on the government of President Nicolás Maduro. This action builds upon previous US seizures of vessels, including an oil tanker captured near Venezuela.
Trump took to his Truth Social platform to amplify his stance, making a bold declaration. "Venezuela is completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America," he wrote. "It will only get bigger, and the shock to them will be like nothing they have ever seen before."
Human Cost and Threat of Further Seizures
The campaign against Venezuelan maritime activities has already had severe consequences. According to an NBC News report, Trump's policies have resulted in 28 boat strikes, leading to the deaths of more than 100 people. One particular incident, a "double tap" strike, is currently under congressional scrutiny.
When asked about the future of his administration's aggressive posture, Trump confirmed the likelihood of more seizures. He indicated that additional oil tankers could be captured, stating the timeline "depends." In a pointed warning, he told NBC News, "If they’re foolish enough to be sailing along, they’ll be sailing along back into one of our harbors." The US administration consistently justifies these actions by claiming they target alleged drug boats, accusing Venezuela of using oil revenue to finance "drug terrorism."
Venezuela's Furious Reaction
The government of Venezuela issued a strong statement on Tuesday, condemning Trump's actions in the strongest possible terms. It accused the former US President of "violating international law, free trade, and the principle of free navigation," labelling the blockade a "reckless and grave threat."
The statement directly addressed Trump's social media post, arguing that it revealed his true intentions. "On his social media, he assumes that Venezuela’s oil, land, and mineral wealth are his property," the Venezuelan government asserted. It further added, "Consequently, he demands that Venezuela immediately hand over all its riches. The President of the United States intends to impose, in an utterly irrational manner, a supposed naval blockade on Venezuela with the aim of stealing the wealth that belongs to our nation."
The situation presents a volatile standoff, with Trump's refusal to dismiss the spectre of war marking a dangerous new phase in the long-standing confrontation between the US and the Venezuelan leadership under Nicolás Maduro.
