U.S. Seizes Russian-Flagged Oil Tanker As Washington, Moscow Trade Warnings

by Stefan J. Bos, Worthy News Chief International Correspondent

MOSCOW/BUDAPEST (Worthy News) – Russia and the United States edged closer to confrontation after U.S. forces seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, prompting sharp protests from Moscow and assertive statements from senior U.S. officials.

Russian state broadcaster RT released grainy images showing a helicopter approaching the tanker, while Reuters, citing U.S. officials, confirmed that American forces boarded and seized the vessel under a U.S. court warrant linked to sanctions enforcement.

The tanker, identified as the Marinera (also known as Bella 1), had been traveling from Iran toward Venezuela before turning back into the Atlantic after attempting to evade U.S. enforcement operations targeting sanction-hit oil shipments.

In the 24 hours before the seizure, multiple surveillance flights were observed over the vessel, including aircraft operating from U.S. bases in Iceland and British Rivet Joint and P-8 Poseidon reconnaissance planes capable of detecting submarine activity, Worthy News learned.

U.S. OFFICIALS: ‘ADMINISTRATION OF ACTION’

U.S. Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth publicly backed the operation, calling recent U.S. actions against Venezuela-linked oil shipments “historically successful.”

He referenced the overnight seizure of two tankers, saying the U.S. military was uniquely capable of carrying out such operations.

“And the world is taking notice of that… and it continues because two tankers overnight were seized by the U.S.… that leverage will continue,” Hegseth said.

“The president means what he says. He’s not messing around. We are an administration of action… to advance our interest.”

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also defended Washington’s approach, telling reporters that the United States intends to control how oil is dispersed in Venezuela, saying such leverage is being exercised “in a positive way.”

When asked about Denmark and Greenland, Rubio declined to discuss potential military options, saying: “I’m not here to talk about that,” while confirming he is scheduled to meet Danish representatives next week.

RUSSIA CONDEMNS SEIZURE AS ‘PIRACY’

Russia’s Foreign Ministry demanded the immediate return of Russian citizens aboard the seized tanker, calling the action a violation of international maritime law.

A senior Russian lawmaker described the operation as “piracy.”

According to TASS, Russia’s transport ministry said the tanker was boarded by the U.S. Navy at approximately 12:00 GMT, after which contact with the vessel was lost. Officials said the ship had been authorized to sail under the Russian flag on December 24.

The incident has sharply heightened tensions between Washington and Moscow, as analysts warn that aggressive sanctions enforcement against so-called “shadow fleet” oil shipments tied to Iran, Venezuela, and Russia risks further escalation.

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