Caracas: Venezuela on Tuesday denounced the U.S. threat of a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from the country, describing the move as a violation of international law and pledging to raise the issue before the United Nations.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the Venezuelan government issued a statement condemning U.S. President Donald Trump's "grave and reckless threat" against the country. The statement claimed that the blockade violated international law, free trade, and the freedom of navigation. It further accused Trump of attempting to claim Venezuela's oil, land, and mineral resources as U.S. property and demanded their immediate surrender, while imposing a naval blockade to "rob the nation of its natural wealth."

Venezuela reaffirmed its sovereignty over its natural resources and emphasized its right to free navigation and commerce in the Caribbean Sea and international waters. The government stated its intention to act in strict accordance with the UN Charter and international law. In response to the threat, Venezuela's permanent representative to the United Nations is set to file a formal complaint immediately.

The statement called on the U.S. public and the international community to reject the threat, asserting that Venezuela would never return to a colonial status and would continue defending its independence and sovereignty. Meanwhile, President Trump announced on Tuesday his order for a total blockade of all sanctioned oil tankers traveling to and from Venezuela, intensifying a months-long pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro.

In reaction, Venezuelan Vice President Delcy Rodriguez declared that any U.S. attempts to block sanctioned oil tankers from entering or leaving Venezuela would constitute a violation of international law.