US warns nations, insurers against aiding Iran fuel shipments to Venezuela

Seeking to deter further shipments of Iranian fuel to Venezuela, the Trump administration has quietly warned foreign governments, seaports, shipping companies and insurers that they could face stiff US sanctions if they aid the tanker flotilla, the US envoy on Venezuela told Reuters on Friday.

Elliott Abrams, Washington's special representative on Venezuela, said the pressure campaign targeting heavily sanctioned US foes Iran and Venezuela was being waged "to be sure everyone recognizes this would be a very dangerous transaction to assist."

The Venezuelan navy on Thursday escorted a fourth tanker bringing Iranian fuel through its waters to the gasoline-starved country,