US Targets Russian Oil Tanker
By Wellington Jopelo
The United States has launched a coordinated operation to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after the vessel evaded a partial US blockade around Venezuela, according to multiple American media reports.
US officials say the tanker is part of a so-called “shadow fleet” accused of transporting oil for sanctioned countries including Venezuela, Russia and Iran, in violation of US sanctions.
Tracking data from Marine Traffic showed the vessel approaching Iceland’s exclusive economic zone on Wednesday.
The operation, first reported by Reuters citing two US officials, follows weeks of pursuit by the United States. Late last month, the tanker narrowly avoided boarding by the US Coast Guard as it approached Venezuelan waters.
Tensions escalated after Russia deployed a submarine and other naval asset to escort the tanker, which was reportedly empty at the time. The Wall Street Journal told US officials confirmed the escort, describing it as a significant show of force.
Russia’s foreign ministry said on Tuesday that it was “following with concern” the US pursuit of the vessel, insisting the tanker was sailing legally under the Russian flag and was far from US territorial waters. The ministry accused the United States and NATO of giving the vessel “disproportionate” military attention despite its “peaceful status.”
Since coming under US pursuit, the tanker has changed its registration to Russia, adopted the name Marinera, and reportedly had a Russian flag painted on its hull. US authorities say the ship has been under sanctions since 2024 over alleged links to Iran and Hezbollah.
The incident forms part of President Donald Trump’s broader crackdown on oil shipments linked to Venezuela. Reuters also reported that the US Coast Guard intercepted a separate Venezuela-connected tanker in Latin American waters.
The developments come amid dramatic political changes in Venezuela. Trump recently claimed that Venezuela would hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States following a US-led operation that removed President Nicolas Maduro from power. US special forces reportedly detained Maduro and his wife in Caracas last weekend and transported them to New York to face drug-related charges.
Trump has since stated that the United States will oversee Venezuela’s oil sector, with American companies taking control of production. It remains unclear whether Venezuela’s interim leader, Delcy Rodríguez, has formally agreed to the oil transfer or what legal framework would govern the move.