Donald Trump has stepped up pressure on Venezuela by ordering a “total and complete blockade” on all oil tankers under sanctions entering or leaving the country. This move came a week after the US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker, which President Nicolas Maduro called “an act of international piracy.” Trump's order, posted on Truth Social, aims to choke Venezuela's main income source, oil. Washington has increased its military presence in the region, with thousands of troops and nearly a dozen warships, including an aircraft carrier. Trump claimed Venezuela is “completely surrounded by the largest Armada ever assembled in the History of South America” and warned it will “be like nothing they have ever seen before.” He accused Maduro’s government of using “stolen” oil to finance serious crimes such as drug terrorism and human trafficking. Maduro denies these claims and calls the US action an excuse to overthrow his government and seize Venezuela’s oil. Venezuela holds the world’s largest oil reserves but produces only about 0.8% of global output due to economic problems. The country exports roughly 900,000 barrels of oil daily, mainly to China. Oil profits fund over half of the Venezuelan government’s budget. Experts at Goldman Sachs say the blockade may tighten oil markets and raise prices in the short term, but a political change could increase exports later. The announcement sent Brent crude prices up by 1.5%, reaching nearly $60 a barrel after dipping below that mark earlier this week. This rise ended a month-long slide as hopes for a peace deal in Ukraine had pushed oil prices down. The blockade thus adds fresh tension to global energy markets.