US forces have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic following a dramatic pursuit that lasted more than two weeks, escalating tensions amid Washington’s sanctions campaign against oil shipments linked to Iran and Venezuela.
The tanker, now named Marinera and previously known as Bella 1, was boarded by the US Coast Guard after being closely tracked across international waters. According to reports, the vessel had been travelling from Iran towards Venezuela before altering its route in an apparent attempt to evade US authorities enforcing sanctions on oil exports.
The New York Times reported that no Russian naval vessels were present when American forces boarded the ship, avoiding a potentially dangerous standoff between the two militaries. Russian state media outlet RT released grainy images showing a helicopter approaching the tanker and claimed an operation was underway, while Reuters cited US officials confirming the boarding attempt.
Originally sanctioned by the United States in 2024, the tanker was allegedly part of a network moving oil in violation of international sanctions. After an earlier attempt by US forces to stop the vessel near Venezuelan waters in December was resisted by its crew, the ship was quickly repainted with a Russian flag and formally added to Russia’s shipping registry. Moscow subsequently lodged a diplomatic protest, accusing Washington of harassment and demanding an end to the pursuit.
In the days before the seizure, the Marinera was under intense surveillance, including multiple reconnaissance flights from US bases in Iceland, with support from British assets. Officials said the ship eventually turned back into the Atlantic, where it was intercepted.
Separately, US authorities have also intercepted another tanker linked to Venezuela in Latin American waters, underscoring Washington’s stepped-up efforts to disrupt sanctioned oil trade routes.
The seizure comes at a time of heightened strain in US relations with Russia, Iran and Venezuela, raising concerns that maritime enforcement actions could further inflame geopolitical tensions on the high seas.
