The White House has directed U.S. military forces to enforce a two-month "quarantine" on Venezuelan oil exports, prioritizing economic pressure over direct military action. This move aims to increase sanctions enforcement against President Nicolás Maduro's government, with officials believing it will lead to economic calamity in Venezuela by late January unless concessions are made. While military options remain, the focus is on economic leverage, though President Trump has also privately urged Maduro to step down.