Jeremy Paner Discusses US Intercepting Second Oil Tanker Near Venezuela

Dec. 22, 2025 – Jeremy Paner spoke to Reuters and The Washington Post about the implications of the U.S. intercepting a second oil tanker off the coast of Venezuela, based on the claim that it contained sanctioned oil.

The Venezuelan government called the tanker interception a “serious act of international piracy.” The move comes days after President Donald Trump released a statement claiming a “total and complete blockade” of all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela.

“The seizure of a vessel that is not sanctioned by the U.S. marks a further increase in Trump’s pressure on Venezuela,” Paner told Reuters. “It also runs counter to Trump’s statement that the U.S. would impose a blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers.”

Speaking to The Washington Post, Paner also discussed the “misuse of the term ‘illicit,’” by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi L. Noem in her statement on the action.

“Absent a connection to the U.S., there is absolutely nothing illegal as it pertains to sanctions in relation to the cargo,” Paner said.

Read the Reuters and Washington Post articles.