The White House has confirmed that US President Donald Trump is discussing “a range of options” regarding the possible acquisition of Greenland, including the potential use of military means, describing the Arctic territory as a key national security interest for the United States.

In a statement the White House said acquiring Greenland — a semi-autonomous region of Denmark, which is also a Nato ally — was considered a “national security priority” by the administration. Officials emphasised that discussions were ongoing and framed within the broader context of US strategic and security planning in the Arctic.

“The president and his team are discussing a range of options to pursue this important foreign policy goal, and of course, utilising the US military is always an option at the commander-in-chief’s disposal,” the White House said on Tuesday.

The comments came just hours after several European leaders issued a joint statement expressing strong support for Denmark, as Copenhagen continues to firmly reject Washington’s interest in taking control of the island. Denmark has repeatedly stressed that Greenland is not for sale and that any future decisions concerning the territory rest with the Greenlandic people.

President Trump renewed his interest in Greenland over the weekend, reiterating his view that the US “needs” the island for security reasons, citing its strategic location in the Arctic and growing geopolitical competition in the region. His remarks prompted a sharp response from Danish Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who warned that any attack by the US on Danish territory would effectively mark the end of Nato as it is currently known.

Despite the strong rhetoric, analysts say the renewed focus on Greenland reflects broader global attention on the Arctic, where melting ice is opening new shipping routes and increasing access to natural resources. The region has become an area of rising strategic importance for Nato members, including the US and Denmark, as well as for Russia and China.

The United States has announced the seizure of a tanker in the North Atlantic that authorities say is linked to violations of US sanctions involving Venezuelan and Iranian oil, marking a significant enforcement action amid heightened scrutiny of illicit maritime trade.

In a statement posted on X, the US European Command (EUCOM) said the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security had “announced the seizure of the M/V Bella 1 for violations of US sanctions.” According to EUCOM, the operation was carried out pursuant to a warrant issued by a US federal court, after the vessel was tracked across the Atlantic by the US Coast Guard cutter Munro.

US officials said the Coast Guard had obtained legal authorisation to seize the ship after determining it had been involved in sanctionable activity, including the alleged transportation of Iranian oil. When approached, the vessel reportedly attempted to evade enforcement by altering its course, changing its name, and re-registering as a Russian-flagged ship.

Investigators further disclosed that the tanker had previously been falsely registered under a Guyanese flag. While it has a history of transporting Venezuelan crude oil, authorities said the vessel is believed to be empty at the time of its seizure.

The Bella 1 was pursued by US authorities across a wide stretch of the North Atlantic, underscoring what officials described as a sustained and coordinated effort to enforce international sanctions and uphold maritime law. Reports also suggest that Russia deployed a submarine to assist in escorting the vessel during part of its transatlantic journey, a development that highlights the geopolitical sensitivities surrounding global energy shipments and sanctions enforcement.

Security forces have stepped up patrols across major Venezuelan cities amid heightened political tension, as opposition groups intensified demands for the immediate release of political prisoners and renewed calls for democratic freedoms.

The increased security presence followed a wave of protests and demonstrations held overnight in several countries, many of them outside United States embassies. The gatherings reflected sharply divided global reactions to Washington’s recent decision to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro. While some demonstrators criticised the move as an overreach, others expressed support for the action, framing it as an opportunity to push for political change and the restoration of freedoms in Venezuela.

Speaking in an overnight interview, former US president Donald Trump was asked who ultimately holds authority over Venezuela. “Me,” he replied, while insisting that the United States is not at war with the Venezuelan state. Instead, he maintained that Washington’s focus is on criminal networks, saying, “We’re at war with people that sell drugs… that empty their prisons into our country.” His remarks underscored the US administration’s position that its actions are aimed at combating transnational crime rather than engaging in a conventional conflict.

However, the situation has also sparked debate within the United States. A senior Democratic figure criticised the US strikes on Venezuela, arguing that they lacked congressional approval. He said he intends to “confront the administration” over any proposal to deploy additional US troops to Venezuelan territory, describing such a move as a “non-starter” and emphasising the need for political oversight and restraint.

In Venezuela, the human impact of the unfolding events has come into sharper focus. Speaking publicly for the first time since his parents were taken into custody, Maduro Guerra warned of the broader implications of the situation. “If we normalise the kidnapping of a head of state, no country is safe,” he said, framing the episode as a dangerous precedent with global consequences.

Amid the uncertainty, the Venezuelan opposition has sought to redirect attention toward longstanding human rights concerns. The movement led by opposition figure María Corina Machado has formally demanded the release of all political prisoners. In a statement posted on X by her Vente Venezuela movement, the group called on authorities to act without delay. “Those who unjustly hold the civilian and military political prisoners should free them immediately,” the statement read.

Machado later reposted the message, amplifying the call and reinforcing her movement’s stance that meaningful stability can only be achieved through justice, due process, and respect for fundamental rights. Supporters say the renewed focus on political prisoners reflects growing optimism that international attention could help create momentum for dialogue, reconciliation, and a more inclusive political future for Venezuela.