The Brian Lehrer Show U.S. Escalates Tensions in Venezuela
Dec 12, 2025
Tess Bridgman, co-editor of Just Security and former deputy legal adviser to the National Security Council, joins William LeoGrande, a government professor specializing in U.S.-Latin America relations. They dive into the recent U.S. seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, debating its legality and historical precedents. Bridgman discusses the implications of U.S. sanctions and the complexities of maritime law, while LeoGrande raises concerns about regional escalation and the political motives behind regime change efforts. Their conversation highlights serious legal and ethical questions surrounding U.S. actions.
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Tanker Seizure Is Highly Unusual
- Seizing a foreign-government oil tanker at sea is extraordinarily unusual and nearly unprecedented.
- William LeoGrande notes the U.S. has rarely forcibly taken tankers in recent decades, highlighting the move's rarity.
Sanctions Drive Oil Into Shadow Fleets
- U.S. sanctions pushed Venezuela to use opaque shipping networks and 'shadow fleets' to move oil to buyers like China.
- Tess Bridgman warns such networks invite actors like Russia, Iran, and China into the trade.
Domestic Law Vs. International Maritime Gray Zone
- The U.S. claims domestic legal authority for seizing vessels via warrants and forfeiture proceedings.
- Tess Bridgman cautions international law is greyer, especially for flagged vessels or seizures in other states' waters.