Trump:

Without my involvement, Russia would have all of Ukraine right now.

Russia and China have zero fear of NATO without the United States, and I doubt NATO would be there for us if we really needed them.

The only Nation that China and Russia fear and respect is the DJT rebuilt U.S.A.

Trump:

We will always be there for NATO, even if they won’t be there for us.

Trump:

Norway, a NATO Member, foolishly chose not to give me the Noble Peace Prize. But that doesn’t matter! What does matter is that I saved Millions of Lives.

Hegseth:

The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people.

Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce—as determined by the U.S.—will be permitted.

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright on Venezuela's oil:

We are going to get that crude moving again and sell it just like we did in our businesses.

We’re going to market the crude coming out of Venezuela.

First, this backed up stored oil, and then indefinitely going forward, we will sell the production that comes out of Venezuela into the marketplace.

John Bolton:

I’d be the happiest person around if the rest of the Maduro regime collapsed tomorrow.

John Bolton:

Anybody who thinks the Venezuelan oil industry is going to emerge from the ashes in a matter of weeks or months or even a couple of years doesn’t know how bad the situation is.

Russian Ministry of Transport:

Today, around 15:00 Moscow time, the US Navy boarded the ship "Marinera" on the high seas, and communication with it was lost.

John Bolton on Trump’s Venezuela oil plan:

If your planning is not based on reality, when reality finally strikes, you have no plan B.

John Bolton to María Corina Machado:

My recommendation would be: give the Nobel Peace Prize medal that you get — the Nobel Foundation can make another one just for you — but give it to Donald Trump. Otherwise, you know what he’s going to do.

Theodore Roosevelt won the Nobel Peace Prize for mediating the war between Russia and Japan during his term as President. And his Nobel Prize hangs on the wall of the Roosevelt Room in the White House.

I’ve been worried recently that Trump’s just going to take it off the wall so he can have it for himself — so Mrs. Machado gives him hers. Maybe that’ll take care of that.

NEW: Pakistan and Bangladesh are discussing a defense pact that could include the sale of Pakistan’s JF-17 Thunder fighter jets to Dhaka.

Source: Reuters

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed it supported a US operation to seize the oil tanker Bella 1 (also known as Marinera).

British forces provided planned support at the US’s request, including basing, assistance from RFA Tideforce, and RAF surveillance in the North Atlantic.

Russian Foreign Ministry:

The United States should not hinder the swift return of Russian citizens from the vessel “Marinera” to their homeland.

Russian Foreign Ministry:

Russia demands that the United States ensure humane and dignified treatment of Russian citizens aboard the vessel “Marinera,” and respect their rights and interests.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan:

You demonstrate an unquestionable leadership that the whole world recognizes.

We don’t merely admire your stance on this matter; we fully support your efforts.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan:

You have become the voice of those who are oppressed.

US House Speaker Mike Johnson:

We are not at war with Greenland… All this talk about military action—I don’t think anybody is seriously considering that.

Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim to Erdogan:

I would like to thank you for the leadership you have provided to the Islamic world.

Rubio:

We have a three-fold process in Venezuela:

Step one is the stabilization of the country. We are going to take between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil. We are going to sell it in the marketplace at market rates. We will control how that money is dispersed.

The second phase will be recovery, ensuring that American, Western, and other countries have access to Venezuelan markets.

The third phase will be one of transition.