[PJ] The Venezuelan Navy is escorting 5 Iranian tankers filled with gasoline that are now nearing the Venezuelan coast, leaving the United States with few options to stop them.
Both Iran and Venezuela are under economic sanctions by the U.S. and the trade in oil is seen as illegal in Washington. The U.S. Navy has ships in the Caribbean that could interdict the Iranian tankers before they make port. Sources in Washington have sought to downplay the military option.
Down to the bottom line:
If Admiral Miller is right and there are Revolutionary Guard forces on the ships, it would make intercepting the vessels not only legal but necessary. With the civil war in Syria winding down, Iran can afford to project its power by sending forces that would be loyal to Nicolas Maduro. Given the Guard’s behavior in Syria toward civilians and reluctant Syrian troops, it would be a brutal deployment.
Realistically, a confrontation on the high seas with Iran or Venezuela would no doubt result in a U.S. military victory. But it would complicate our efforts to force Maduro out of office by using international pressure. Our allies would scatter if we were seen as heavy-handed enforcement of the sanctions.
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