The UN Security Council convenes for an emergency meeting in New York on Tuesday, December 23 at the request of Venezuela, after US President Donald Trump moved to blockade the country's oil tankers.

The Venezuelan government submitted a formal request in a letter signed by its UN ambassador Samuel Moncada, arguing that such 'threats' constitute an 'act of aggression', violate international law, and could have wider repercussions for global energy markets.

The US seized two tankers and pursued a third this week, with Trump warning Venezuela's Nicolas Maduro: "If he plays tough, it'll be the last time." Maduro told Trump to 'mind your own business'. Tensions have continued to escalate in the Caribbean amid the US military buildup and strikes on alleged 'narco-boats'. Caracas has denied drug trafficking claims and says the US is intent on 'regime change'.