The vessel tanker Bella 1 at Singapore Strait, after U.S. officials say the U.S. Coast Guard pursued an oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, in this picture taken from social media on March 18, 2025. Hakon Rimmereid/via REUTERS/File Photo
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Moneycontrol07-01-2026, 20:08

US Seizes Russian Tanker Near Iceland Amid Venezuela Sanctions Crackdown

  • The US seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), in the North Atlantic near Iceland, after tracking it for over two weeks.
  • The seizure, confirmed by US European Command, occurred under a US federal court warrant for violating US sanctions against Venezuela.
  • Russian naval assets, including a submarine and warship, were present in the wider area, raising concerns about potential escalation with Moscow.
  • The tanker had previously evaded US attempts to board it near Venezuela and re-registered under a Russian flag, which the US considers stateless.
  • This high-risk operation is part of President Trump's intensified pressure campaign against Venezuela, which also saw the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Why It Matters: US seizes Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela sanctions, escalating international tensions.

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