Trump orders total blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers as the South American nation controls world's largest oil reserves with over 300 billion barrels.

Russia's Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it hoped that U.S. President Donald Trump's administration would not make a fatal mistake over Venezuela and said Moscow was concerned about U.S. decisions that threatened international shipping.

President Trump said the United States wanted to reclaim expropriated oil assets, setting off a nationalist reaction in a country where the resource holds a mythical status.

The votes follow a monthslong military campaign against alleged drug smuggling boats in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean.

As President Trump prepares to address the nation from the White House, he's also ratcheting up pressure on Venezuela, announcing a "total and complete blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers going in and out of the country.

WASHINGTON (AP) — El presidente Donald Trump exigió el miércoles que Venezuela devuelva los activos que incautó a compañías petroleras de Estados Unidos hace años, justificando nuevamente su anuncio de un “bloqueo” contra los buques con crudo que viajan hacia o desde el país sudamericano y enfrentan sanciones estadounidenses.

President Donald Trump will deliver remarks to the nation tonight. The White House said his speech will highlight the administration’s actions during the past year and tease priorities for 2026. Follow for live updates.

A new Quinnipiac University poll found widespread opposition to U.S. military action inside Venezuela—just 25 percent of respondents said they would support such action, compared to 63 percent of respondents who said they would be opposed.