The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer and Pamela Brown US Seizes Russian Oil Tanker
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Jan 7, 2026 
Natasha Bertrand, CNN's national security correspondent, shares insights on the daring U.S. seizure of the Bella One, a Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela. Elena Treen, a White House reporter, discusses the administration's stringent conditions for Venezuela and oil revenue plans. Senator Marco Rubio outlines a strategic three-phase approach for Venezuela concerning stabilization and oil leverage. Manu Raju, CNN's chief congressional correspondent, reveals Congress's mixed reactions and queries regarding the operation's objectives and potential military implications.
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U.S. Seeks Exclusive Oil Partnership
- White House demands Venezuela sever economic ties with China, Russia, Iran and partner exclusively with the U.S. for oil.
- Officials believe Venezuela can't survive long without restored oil revenue, giving the U.S. leverage.
U.S. Plans To Control Oil Revenues
- The administration intends U.S.-controlled accounts to receive proceeds from Venezuelan oil sales.
- Officials suggest those funds would be redistributed to benefit Venezuelan people under U.S. control.
Greenland Debate: Buy Or Threaten Militarily
- Greenland discussions resurfaced with national security framing and mention military options, though officials publicly downplay invasion.
- The administration appears focused on buying Greenland while keeping military options rhetorically available.