Apple News Today Why the U.S. just seized a massive oil tanker off Venezuela’s coast
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Dec 11, 2025 Bloomberg reporter Eric Martin sheds light on the dramatic U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker, highlighting its implications for Nicolás Maduro's regime. He discusses the escalating tensions between Caracas and Washington and the congressional scrutiny that follows. The conversation also touches on Indiana's redistricting controversy, where GOP members are divided over Trump's demands, and Rachel Weiner explains why the Vision Zero initiative to curb pedestrian deaths has stumbled. A compelling mix of politics and public safety!
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Seizure Targets Venezuela’s Economic Lifeline
- The U.S. seized a large Venezuelan tanker to tighten pressure on Nicolás Maduro by targeting Venezuela's oil lifeblood.
- Eric Martin says the move chills insurers and complicates Venezuela's sanctioned oil sales networks.
Illicit Shipments Feed Sanctions Evasion
- U.S. officials say the tanker moved sanctioned oil through illicit routes, possibly to Cuba, to obscure profits and corruption.
- Eric Martin explains that intercepting such shipments tightens enforcement and reduces Maduro's revenue streams.
Congress Asks For Clear Military Goals
- Lawmakers pressed the administration to explain the broader goals after strikes on alleged drug boats and the tanker seizure.
- Senator Mark Warner questioned whether the public and Congress understand the objective or the risk of escalation.