The Duran Podcast Regime change escalation escalator
8 snips
Dec 21, 2025 The hosts dive into the intriguing topic of the Venezuela blockade and its legal ramifications. They discuss a predicted sea blockade and the shift from strikes to naval actions. The legality of seizing tankers is scrutinized, raising questions about acts of war. There's a notable narrative change from drug smuggling to asset recovery. The impacts on Cuba and Russia's involvement are explored, along with historical parallels to the Suez Crisis. A cautionary analogy suggests that sanctions could escalate into military conflict.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Blockade Framed As Legal But Legally Circular
- A sea blockade of Venezuela is framed as lawful seizure of sanctioned tankers but is legally circular and effectively an act of war.
- Alexander Mercouris argues the US can sanction any tanker it wants, making the legal claim weak and the blockade likely illegal.
Narrative Shift Reveals Regime-Change Motive
- The public narrative shifted quickly from drug interdiction to recovering 'stolen' assets, revealing inconsistent rationales for force.
- Alexander Mercouris notes Trump calls Maduro's government 'illegal', signaling regime-change aims beyond asset recovery.
Venezuela Blockade Also Targets Cuba
- An oil blockade on Venezuela would also choke supplies to Cuba, making Cuba a direct secondary target.
- Mercouris highlights Russia could reroute or escort tankers to mitigate Cuban disruption, but arrangements take time.