By Micah Jonah, February 25, 2026
President Donald Trump has announced that the United States has received more than 80 million barrels of oil from Venezuela, hours after the Pentagon disclosed that US forces had captured a third oil tanker linked to the South American nation.
Speaking during his State of the Union address on Tuesday night, Trump said the oil delivery followed renewed cooperation between Washington and Caracas. He also stated that American oil production had increased by more than 600,000 barrels per day, reiterating his administration’s commitment to expanding domestic drilling.
Earlier in the day, the United States Department of Defense said US forces boarded, seized a tanker identified as “Bertha” in the Indian Ocean. According to the Pentagon, the vessel was tracked from the Caribbean before being intercepted.
The tanker was reportedly carrying approximately 1.9 million barrels of Merey 16 crude, a grade associated with Venezuelan exports. Reports indicate that the vessel had previously been flagged under the Cook Islands but was later listed under a different registration.
The latest seizure marks the third such operation by US forces in recent weeks, amid heightened tensions surrounding Venezuelan oil shipments.
The development comes as the Trump administration continues to push for increased oil production both within the United States and internationally, including expanded exploration efforts.
Officials have yet to provide further details on the legal basis for the tanker seizures or the final destination of the intercepted cargo.
