[m348e912]

While I don't think the US has the authority to warrant the sizing of another country's oil tanker, the US may believe they have justification.

Accusation: Venezuela is using Nigeria as a means to launder sanctioned oil.

https://x.com/0x2719/status/1998867882365825299?s=20

[crest]

In theory they gave the flag state a perfectly valid casus belli, but the flag state isn't in a position to take on the US navy. It would be funny if the flag states or the owners tried to seize US owned property in some involved jurisdiction as compensation.

[basisword]

Sanctioned by who? The president who thinks his tech companies shouldn't be subject to European laws when they operate in Europe believes completely separate countries have to abide by his rules when doing business?

[monerozcash]

Any US actions wrt Venezuela almost certainly have the backing of what the US (probably rightfully) considers to be the legitimate government of Venezuela.

[NoGravitas]

Meaning Juan Guaido?

[cherryteastain]

Domestic laws of a country do not constitute valid justification for seizing another country's vessels under international law.

[JumpCrisscross]

> Domestic laws of a country do not constitute valid justification for seizing another country's vessels under international law

The great powers (China, Russia and America) have each, at this point, explicitly rejected this principle. More broadly, internationa law does contain broad exemptions for piracy.

[monerozcash]

This seizure was absolutely legal under the UNCLOS, the US unquestionably has valid justification under international law to seize this (and any other) stateless vessel.

[SilverElfin]

Even if they want to launder sanctioned oil, that is up to those two other countries. The US has no right to militarily intervene.