Venezuela has strongly criticized a new directive by US President Donald Trump ordering a sweeping blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving the country, describing the move as a dangerous escalation and an act of “warmongering.”
The announcement follows the recent seizure by US forces of an oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast, a development that has heightened tensions given the country’s heavy dependence on oil exports. Caracas argues that Washington is deliberately targeting its main economic lifeline.
In a statement published on his Truth Social platform, President Trump said the Venezuelan government had been designated a foreign terrorist organization. He accused the administration of President Nicolás Maduro of involvement in drug trafficking and human trafficking, allegations that Venezuelan authorities firmly reject.
Trump also claimed that Venezuela was now surrounded by an unprecedented naval force, warning that the US military presence in the region would continue to expand. According to him, the blockade is intended to prevent what he described as the use of oil revenues to fund criminal activities, including drug trafficking and violent crime.
Venezuela has responded by accusing the United States of seeking to appropriate its natural resources. The country holds the world’s largest proven oil reserves, though its current production levels remain limited due to years of economic crisis and sanctions.
In recent months, the US has intensified military operations in the Caribbean, including strikes on vessels alleged to be involved in drug smuggling. American authorities say these operations have resulted in dozens of deaths since September. However, no public evidence has been released to substantiate claims that the targeted boats were transporting drugs such as fentanyl or cocaine.
Last month, Washington formally designated the Venezuelan group known as the Cartel de los Soles as a foreign terrorist organization, alleging links to senior figures in the Maduro government. Venezuelan officials deny the accusations and dismiss the designation as politically motivated.
The latest order does not specify how the proposed blockade would be enforced. Following last week’s tanker seizure, the US imposed additional sanctions on six other vessels accused of transporting Venezuelan oil, as well as on relatives of President Maduro and businesses linked to his administration.
The military build-up near Venezuela has drawn criticism within the United States. Congressman Joaquin Castro described the blockade as an act of war and announced plans for lawmakers to vote on a resolution calling on the president to end hostilities with Venezuela.
The US has opposed the Maduro government for years, maintaining sanctions and challenging the legitimacy of his rule. Venezuela’s most recent election was widely criticized by opposition groups and several foreign governments, including the US, which argue that the vote lacked credibility.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has raised concerns about the internal situation in the country. On Tuesday, UN human rights chief Volker Türk warned that restrictions on civic freedoms in Venezuela have intensified, further limiting political and social space for citizens.
About the author
Norway Crown Princess’s Son Jailed for Rape
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on two counts of rape and several other criminal offences by the Oslo District Court. The 29-year-old was cleared of two additional rape charges but found guilty of multiple offences involving violence, abuse and reckless conduct. Høiby attended the verdict hearing via video link due to health-related reasons and was not physically present in the courtroom. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence of seven years and seven months, while the defense argued for a significantly shorter term of 18 months. His legal team has indicated that an appeal is likely. The case has attracted widespread attention in Norway because of Høiby's close connection to the royal family. Although he holds no royal title, he was raised alongside members of […]
Russian Strikes Damage Kyiv Cathedral, Kill 11
At least 11 people have lost their lives following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including attacks that caused significant damage to Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Four fatalities were reported in Kyiv after residential areas came under attack, while five emergency responders were killed in the northeastern city of Kharkiv while battling a blaze triggered by a strike. Ukrainian authorities said dozens of others were injured nationwide. The Dormition Cathedral, a landmark dating back to the 11th century and part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, suffered extensive damage during the overnight assault. Zelensky described the attack as a serious blow to Ukraine's religious and cultural heritage. Images from the site showed a large breach in one section of the cathedral, with parts of the roof destroyed by fire. The […]
US-Iran Deal May Ease Global Economic Pressure
More than three months after the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began, Washington and Tehran have reached a framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a longer-term resolution. A key component of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. The waterway normally handles nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it critical to international energy markets. The disruption of traffic through the strait since late February triggered sharp increases in global energy prices and raised concerns about supply shortages. While the new agreement has been welcomed by markets, shipping activity in the region remains limited, highlighting the challenges involved in restoring normal operations. Industry experts caution that a full recovery will take time. Hundreds of vessels […]
Paul Kagame en visite de travail à Lomé
Le président du Rwanda, Paul Kagame, est en visite de travail au Togo ce lundi, dans le cadre de la Convention et exposition africaines du transport aérien organisée à Lomé du 15 au 19 juin 2026. Au cours de son séjour, le dirigeant rwandais doit rencontrer le président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé. Les échanges entre les deux responsables porteront sur plusieurs sujets d'intérêt commun, notamment le renforcement des relations bilatérales et les perspectives de coopération entre leurs pays. Cette rencontre intervient à l'occasion d'un événement majeur consacré au développement du transport aérien sur le continent africain. Elle offre également aux deux dirigeants l'opportunité de discuter des enjeux économiques et stratégiques qui concernent l'Afrique, ainsi que des initiatives visant à soutenir l'intégration et la croissance du continent. Reconnu pour son engagement en faveur du développement économique et de la transformation de […]
AFR100 : jusqu’à 50 000 $ pour les projets verts
Les organisations togolaises impliquées dans la restauration des terres dégradées et la préservation des ressources naturelles ont désormais accès à un nouveau mécanisme de financement dans le cadre du programme AFR100, soutenu par l'Organisation des Nations unies pour l'alimentation et l'agriculture (FAO). L'initiative, lancée à travers le dispositif des Subventions Directes aux Bénéficiaires (Direct Beneficiary Grants), vise à accompagner les acteurs locaux engagés dans la protection de l'environnement et la gestion durable des écosystèmes. L'appel à projets est ouvert aux organisations communautaires, coopératives, associations de producteurs agricoles et forestiers, organisations non gouvernementales ainsi qu'aux structures dirigées par des femmes ou des jeunes opérant dans les zones d'intervention du programme. Les bénéficiaires pourront obtenir un financement compris entre 5 000 et 50 000 dollars pour mettre en œuvre diverses initiatives environnementales. Les projets éligibles concernent notamment le reboisement, l'agroforesterie, la conservation […]
BTP au Togo : les entreprises alertent sur leurs défis
Les acteurs du secteur du bâtiment et des travaux publics (BTP) au Togo ont mis en lumière les principales difficultés qui freinent le développement des entreprises nationales lors des premiers « Media Days » organisés récemment à Lomé par le Groupement National des Entrepreneurs du Bâtiment et des Travaux Publics du Togo (GNEBTP-Togo). Placée sous le thème « Le BTP au cœur du développement : comprendre pour mieux agir », cette rencontre a rassemblé entrepreneurs, ingénieurs, architectes, laboratoires techniques et représentants des médias. L'objectif était de mieux faire connaître les réalités d'un secteur stratégique qui joue un rôle essentiel dans la réalisation des infrastructures et dans les investissements publics du pays. Au cours des échanges, les professionnels ont souligné plusieurs obstacles majeurs, notamment la qualité insuffisante de certaines études techniques, les retards de paiement, les difficultés d'accès au financement bancaire, […]
Related
Trump: If you import from third-world countries, you become one
US President Donald Trump has said that any country that imports people from third-world countries will quickly become a third-world country itself, as he defended his administration’s tougher immigration stance. Trump originally wrote on Truth Social, “If you import The Third World, you become The Third World,” and later adjusted the wording to say, “Sadly, if you import people from Third World Countries, you quickly become a Third World Country — and there’s not a thing you can do about it”. He linked this argument to his broader push to tighten migration rules, including plans to “permanently pause” migration from what he calls third-world countries so the US system can “fully recover”. The president has also signalled intentions to remove migrants he considers not a “net asset” to the US and to end federal benefits and subsidies for noncitizens he […]
Trump says Russia should make a deal with Ukraine to end war
US President Donald Trump has said that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky are both open to "do something" about the ongoing war in Ukraine, raising fresh questions about possible diplomatic efforts to reduce tensions and advance negotiations. Trump's remarks come as international attention remains focused on prospects for a ceasefire, peace talks, and broader efforts to bring an end to the conflict. While no specific framework or proposal was outlined, the comments have sparked discussion among political observers and foreign policy experts about whether renewed diplomatic momentum could emerge. Trump told reporters that his attention is turning back to Russia and Ukraine after concluding a short-term deal with Iran, and he said the focus will now be on Russia's war in Ukraine. The President's comments suggest both leaders may be willing to pursue a peace agreement, […]
Norway Crown Princess’s Son Jailed for Rape
Marius Borg Høiby, the son of Norway's Crown Princess Mette-Marit, has been sentenced to four years in prison after being convicted on two counts of rape and several other criminal offences by the Oslo District Court. The 29-year-old was cleared of two additional rape charges but found guilty of multiple offences involving violence, abuse and reckless conduct. Høiby attended the verdict hearing via video link due to health-related reasons and was not physically present in the courtroom. Prosecutors had sought a prison sentence of seven years and seven months, while the defense argued for a significantly shorter term of 18 months. His legal team has indicated that an appeal is likely. The case has attracted widespread attention in Norway because of Høiby's close connection to the royal family. Although he holds no royal title, he was raised alongside members of […]
Russian Strikes Damage Kyiv Cathedral, Kill 11
At least 11 people have lost their lives following a series of Russian missile and drone strikes across Ukraine, including attacks that caused significant damage to Kyiv's historic Dormition Cathedral, according to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Four fatalities were reported in Kyiv after residential areas came under attack, while five emergency responders were killed in the northeastern city of Kharkiv while battling a blaze triggered by a strike. Ukrainian authorities said dozens of others were injured nationwide. The Dormition Cathedral, a landmark dating back to the 11th century and part of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra monastery complex, suffered extensive damage during the overnight assault. Zelensky described the attack as a serious blow to Ukraine's religious and cultural heritage. Images from the site showed a large breach in one section of the cathedral, with parts of the roof destroyed by fire. The […]
US-Iran Deal May Ease Global Economic Pressure
More than three months after the conflict involving the United States, Israel and Iran began, Washington and Tehran have reached a framework agreement aimed at reducing tensions and laying the groundwork for a longer-term resolution. A key component of the agreement is the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world's most important maritime trade routes. The waterway normally handles nearly 20% of global oil and liquefied natural gas shipments, making it critical to international energy markets. The disruption of traffic through the strait since late February triggered sharp increases in global energy prices and raised concerns about supply shortages. While the new agreement has been welcomed by markets, shipping activity in the region remains limited, highlighting the challenges involved in restoring normal operations. Industry experts caution that a full recovery will take time. Hundreds of vessels […]
Paul Kagame en visite de travail à Lomé
Le président du Rwanda, Paul Kagame, est en visite de travail au Togo ce lundi, dans le cadre de la Convention et exposition africaines du transport aérien organisée à Lomé du 15 au 19 juin 2026. Au cours de son séjour, le dirigeant rwandais doit rencontrer le président du Conseil, Faure Gnassingbé. Les échanges entre les deux responsables porteront sur plusieurs sujets d'intérêt commun, notamment le renforcement des relations bilatérales et les perspectives de coopération entre leurs pays. Cette rencontre intervient à l'occasion d'un événement majeur consacré au développement du transport aérien sur le continent africain. Elle offre également aux deux dirigeants l'opportunité de discuter des enjeux économiques et stratégiques qui concernent l'Afrique, ainsi que des initiatives visant à soutenir l'intégration et la croissance du continent. Reconnu pour son engagement en faveur du développement économique et de la transformation de […]