The United States seized a Venezuelan oil tanker carrying about 1.1 million barrels of sanctioned crude, prompting Nicolás Maduro to denounce the move as “piracy” and issue fiery threats against Washington.

Donald Trump defended the operation, saying the vessel was taken “for a very good reason” and implying the U.S. would keep the oil.

The dramatic commando raid marked the first U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan tanker and is expected to further deter shippers from moving the country’s crude.

The incident deepens pressure on Maduro, whose government relies heavily on oil exports already squeezed by global competition and sanctions, the U.S. Sun has reported.

With U.S. naval forces expanding in the Caribbean, many observers see the seizure as a potential first step in broader operations against Maduro’s regime.