U.S. Seizes Oil Tankers, Cites 'Maritime Rules' They Redefine Daily
The mainstream narrative frames the Trump administration's seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers as a novel challenge to 'international maritime law.' Yet, for decades, the U.S. has unilaterally enforced sanctions and interfered with shipping, often citing 'national security' or 'freedom of navigation' as justification, while simultaneously imposing its will on the high seas. This isn't a new Trumpian
anomaly; it's a feature of American foreign policy, a convenient double standard perfected long before Trump took office. Recall the 1980s U.S. interventions in Nicaragua's shipping lanes or the ongoing sanctions against Iran that disrupt global trade. So, when the U.S. Navy intercepts vessels on the high seas, it's 'enforcing international law' – when anyone else does it, it's a 'challenge to
custom.' It seems 'maritime rules' are less about universal principles and more about who has the biggest stick, and which nation the New York Times happens to be writing about that day. One might wonder if the 'customs' are simply 'whatever the U.S. decides is customary right now.'