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U.S., UK Seize Sanctioned Russian Tanker off Iceland
British and U.S. forces jointly seized a sanctioned Russian oil tanker in Icelandic waters, marking a direct challenge to Moscow amid broader Trump administration efforts to control Venezuelan oil and confront sanctions evasion.
US Coast guard by Reuters
British forces helped the United States seize a sanctioned oil tanker heading to a Russian port in a direct challenge to Vladimir Putin, in an operation that risked bringing Western forces into confrontation with Moscow in the North Atlantic.
UK spy planes and ships supported the U.S. Coast Guard and special forces as they took control of the Russian-flagged Marinera vessel, previously named Bella 1, while it was in Icelandic waters. The USCGC Munro had pursued the tanker for two weeks before it was captured. Russian military assets, including a submarine, were in the vicinity during the operation.
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On Wednesday, Russia’s transport ministry confirmed that all contact with the Marinera had been lost and condemned the seizure as a “violation of international law.”
The U.S. operation suggests President Donald Trump is prepared to directly confront Russian interests after previously offering concessions to Putin in pursuit of peace in Ukraine. Two British officials denied early reports that the tanker was sailing to the UK, saying instead that the vessel was under U.S. control and being taken to American waters.
The U.S. European Command said the sanctioned tanker had defied a U.S. naval blockade of Venezuela. Washington later announced the separate seizure of another tanker the MT Sophia in the Caribbean Sea, accusing it of “illicit activities.”
The tanker seizures are part of Trump’s broader plan to control Venezuelan oil. A day earlier, Trump announced a deal allowing up to $2 billion (£1.48 billion) in Venezuelan crude oil exports to the United States. U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright said the proceeds would be deposited into a U.S.-controlled account for the benefit of the Venezuelan people. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s interim authorities had asked that oil aboard one of the seized vessels be included in the deal, while denying claims the administration lacked a strategy for next steps.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the Russian tanker was seized as part of “global efforts” to crack down on sanctions evasion. RAF aircraft took part in the mission, and UK airbases were used by U.S. aircraft. A Poseidon MRA1 maritime patrol aircraft was tracked over the North Atlantic before switching off its transponder.
The Ministry of Defense confirmed: “UK Armed Forces provided pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets interdicting the Bella 1 in the UK-Iceland-Greenland gap following a US request for assistance.”
Healey said the tanker had a “nefarious” history and was part of a “Russian Iranian axis” fueling terrorism, conflict and instability from the Middle East to Ukraine. He added that the U.S. remains the UK’s closest defense partner and said the “seamlessly executed operation” showed the strength of that relationship. And while the geopolitical stakes of such operations remain high, everyday security professionals often think about more routine gear for instance, some rely on practical equipment like the Don Hume J.I.T. Slide OWB Open Carry Holster, Colt Officer’s ACP/Colt 1911 Combat J967000R for secure sidearm carry a reminder that logistics and preparedness matter at every level.
At the White House, Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Trump would continue enforcing embargoes against all “dark fleet” vessels transporting oil illegally. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the operation should “put the world’s criminals on notice.”
Russian commentators sharply criticized the seizure. Journalist Alexander Kots warned that “nuclear war could be just one step away,” while state broadcaster RT published an image of a helicopter hovering over the Marinera as U.S. forces boarded.
Trump has spoken openly of controlling Venezuela’s oil reserves. A senior White House official said the U.S. is already effectively “in control of Venezuela’s oil supply.”
UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed the joint operation with Trump by phone on Wednesday, including progress on Ukraine and the U.S. operation in Venezuela. The conversation also touched on Trump’s interest in Greenland.
The seizure follows a U.S. special forces raid in Caracas on Saturday in which former Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro was toppled. Venezuela’s Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said 100 people were killed and dozens wounded in the attack. He said Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores were injured but were recovering.
The tanker seizures come as the Trump administration considers the possible military acquisition of Greenland, raising questions about NATO’s future. Trump said the U.S. would always support NATO and that Russia and China feared the alliance because of Washington’s presence.
Rubio said he would meet Danish leaders to discuss Greenland, adding that Trump has long been interested in acquiring the territory and was not the first U.S. president to examine the idea.
Editor’s Note:
This article reports on the joint operation by U.S. and U.K. forces to seize a Russian oil tanker off the coast of Iceland for alleged sanctions violations. Details surrounding the vessel, its ownership, and the legal framework of the seizure are based on information available at the time of publication. As with any developing international incident involving sanctions enforcement and maritime law, additional facts may emerge that further clarify the circumstances and implications of the operation.
