‘Anti-piracy bill’: Maduro slaps Trump with 20-year prison threat as US eyes 3rd Venezuelan tanker

President Donald Trump has significantly stepped up pressure on Venezuela, warning Nicolás Maduro and tightening a naval blockade targeting sanctioned oil tankers, seen as part of a broader campaign. The U.S. Coast Guard has seized oil tankers and is pursuing a third vessel allegedly part of Venezuela’s sanctions‑evading “dark fleet.” Trump also declared the U.S. will keep or possibly sell the oil from seized tankers, intensifying tensions. In response, Venezuela passed a new “anti‑piracy” bill that could jail supporters of actions it calls piracy, a direct counter to U.S. moves. Foreign Minister Yvan Gil warned the blockade risks global energy disruption, with critics calling U.S. actions violations of international law.