White House orders military to focus on 'quarantine' of Venezuela oil

Friday, December 26, 2025 -The White House has directed U.S. military forces to concentrate almost exclusively on enforcing a “quarantine” of Venezuelan oil exports for at least the next two months, signaling a sharp escalation in economic pressure against Caracas. 

By prioritizing this strategy, Washington aims to cut off a critical revenue stream for the government of President Nicolás Maduro while avoiding direct large-scale military conflict. Officials say the approach centers on strict sanctions enforcement and targeted interdiction of oil shipments.

This move marks a shift away from broader military options toward economic leverage, with U.S. forces already increasing monitoring and interception efforts against tankers suspected of violating sanctions. 

Oil remains Venezuela’s primary economic lifeline, and U.S. officials believe sustained pressure on exports could significantly weaken the country’s financial capacity in the near term. The administration views the strategy as a faster, lower-risk method to force political and economic concessions.

The decision has sparked international debate, with critics warning that a quarantine-style operation could escalate regional tensions and raise legal concerns. 

Venezuela has condemned the action as aggressive and unlawful, while U.S. officials argue it is necessary to disrupt illicit oil trade and limit funding for activities they describe as destabilizing. The coming weeks are expected to be decisive as the policy begins to ripple through global energy markets and diplomatic channels.