Trump to Maduro: 'It'd Be Smart to Leave' as U.S. Seizes Oil Tankers, Sparking Standoff with Russia and China

United States President Donald { has issued a stark new warning to {’s Nicolas {, saying “it would be smart” for the leader to leave power as Washington escalates its pressure campaign against Caracas. The move, which includes the seizure of Venezuelan oil tankers, has drawn sharp condemnation from { and {, setting the stage for a geopolitical showdown ahead of a Security Council meeting.

Trump Escalates Pressure Campaign

Speaking at his Mar-a-Lago resort on Monday, {, { suggested he was prepared to further intensify a four-month campaign against {. “If he wants to do something, if he plays tough, it’ll be the last time he’s ever able to play tough,” told reporters, flanked by Secretary of State Marco { and Secretary of Defense Pete {.

The threat comes as the coastguard pursues a third oil tanker it describes as part of a “dark fleet” used by { to evade sanctions. The { has already seized and nearly of oil. “We’re keeping it. We’re keeping the ships also,” stated, adding the oil might be sold or used for strategic reserves.

Caracas, Moscow, and Beijing Condemn 'International Piracy'

President { fired back hours later, saying would be “better off” focusing on his own country’s problems. Caracas has condemned the seizures as acts of “international piracy” and insists Washington’s goal is to seize ’s oil reserves, the world’s largest.

The crisis has prompted a coordinated international response. {’s Foreign Minister Sergey { pledged “full support” for {’s government, warning of “serious consequences for the region.” {’s Foreign Ministry called the actions a “serious violation of international law” that infringes upon national sovereignty. has warned UN members that the blockade “will affect the supply of oil and energy” globally.