U.S. Launches Operation to Capture Russian Oil Tanker Following Evasion of Sanctions

The United States has initiated an operation to capture a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after it successfully navigated a partial blockade around Venezuela, as reported by several U.S. news sources on Wednesday.

According to U.S. officials, the vessel, previously named Bella 1, belongs to a so-called shadow fleet involved in transporting oil for nations like Venezuela, Russia, and Iran, in breach of American sanctions. Tracking information from MarineTraffic indicated that the tanker was approaching Iceland’s exclusive economic zone on Wednesday.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Tuesday that Russia dispatched «a submarine and additional naval assets» to accompany the tanker, citing unnamed U.S. officials.

CBS News confirmed through two U.S. sources that «Russia had indeed deployed a submarine and other naval ships» as escorts for the tanker.

Earlier on Tuesday, Russia’s Foreign Ministry expressed that it was «watching with concern» the U.S. efforts to track the tanker. The ministry informed state media prior to the escort reports that the ship was operating under the Russian flag and was located far from U.S. waters.

«For reasons unclear to us, the Russian vessel is being subjected to increased scrutiny from the U.S. and NATO forces—attention that is evidently disproportionate to its peaceful status,» the ministry stated.

In response to the U.S. Coast Guard’s pursuit, the tanker has altered its registration to Russia, rebranded itself as the Marinera, and the crew reportedly added a Russian flag to the vessel last month.

These events mark the latest actions in President Donald Trump’s enforcement against sanctioned oil tankers transporting goods to and from Venezuela.

The tanker currently under Russian protection was en route to Venezuela but was reportedly not carrying any cargo when it eluded the U.S. blockade.

It has been subject to U.S. sanctions since 2024 due to alleged connections with Iran and Hezbollah.