A United Nations diplomat told Reuters today that a Security Council meeting, requested by Venezuela, could be scheduled for 23/12.

The request from Caracas follows a 16/12 order by US President Donald Trump to blockade all sanctioned oil tankers entering or exiting Venezuela. This latest move by Washington aims to increase pressure on President Maduro's government, targeting Venezuela's primary revenue source.

On 17/12, President Nicolas Maduro spoke by phone with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, discussing the escalating threats from the US and their implications for regional peace. Guterres called for both sides to exercise restraint and de-escalate to maintain regional stability.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro speaks in Caracas on 21/11. Photo: AFP

Venezuela's state oil company, Petroleos de Venezuela (PDVSA), issued a statement on 17/12 challenging the US blockade order, asserting that the country's oil exports remain unaffected. "Crude oil and by-product export operations are proceeding normally. Oil tankers involved in PDVSA's activities continue to move safely," the PDVSA statement declared.

On the same day, President Trump reiterated that US forces would "not allow anyone to pass," accusing Venezuela of "taking all our oil." He added, "They took all our energy rights, all our oil not long ago. We want it back," seemingly referring to Venezuela's nationalization of its oil industry.

Oil prices surged in early trading on 17/12 following news of the US blockade. A week earlier, US forces had seized one sanctioned oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela.

By Thanh Tam, citing *AFP* and *Reuters*