Latest US action could indicate new phase of Venezuela operationspublished at 20:50 GMT
Anthony Zurcher
North America correspondent
You don’t have to dig too deep into the history books to learn that maritime confrontations can start wars. The US involvement in Vietnam escalated after an incident in the Gulf of Tonkin.
There still is little known about the US seizure of an oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela. But the action could indicate that American actions in the region – where more than 15,000 US military personnel currently operate – are entering a new, more intensive phase.
Another point to note is how oil futures have also spiked. Trump frequently boasts about how petrol prices have dropped from Biden-era highs. This could turn that around.
The situation presents serious questions, not the least of which is the justification – legal and political – for the US seizure. Is it the first step in a naval blockade of the South American nation? Was the tanker flying a Venezuelan flag? What does the US intend to do with the vessel – the “largest one ever seized,” Trump noted just moments ago.
“It’s been an interesting day from the standpoint of news,” Trump also said. “And other things are happening”.
The biggest question, then, might be what “other things” the president has planned.
