U.S. Intercepts Russian-Flagged Tanker Marinera in Atlantic
Washington boards Russian-flagged tanker in the Atlantic as Moscow cites violations of international law and condemns U.S.-led enforcement of the Venezuela oil blockade.
United States, PUREWILAYAH.COM - The Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera was intercepted on Wednesday afternoon Tehran time by personnel of the United States Army and the United States Coast Guard, according to reports from Iran’s Tasnim News Agency.
The operation was also confirmed by Reuters, which reported that U.S. military and coast guard forces carried out the interception in the Atlantic Ocean, while Russian naval vessels — including a submarine — were present near the scene.
U.S. Forces Board Vessel Before Russian Warships Arrive
Russia Today reported that U.S. forces entered and boarded the Russian-flagged tanker Marinera, which had previously been known as Bella 1 before changing its flag.
According to Fox News, U.S. forces intercepted the sanctioned tanker between Iceland and the British Isles, acting before the arrival of Russian warships and a Russian submarine in the area.
British Military Support Confirmed
British media reported that the Royal Navy supported the operation, while air bases in the United Kingdom were used as launch points for U.S. special forces involved in the seizure of the tanker.
The reports said the mission was conducted with the knowledge and approval of the British government, highlighting close coordination between Washington and London.
Russia Cites International Law and Loss of Contact
According to information presented by Russia’s Transport Minister:
On December 24, 2025, Marinera received temporary authorization to sail under the flag of the Russian Federation, issued in line with Russian legislation and international law.
At approximately 3:00 p.m. Moscow time, U.S. naval forces boarded the ship on the high seas, outside the territorial waters of any state.
Contact with the vessel was subsequently lost following the boarding.
Russia emphasized that under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies on the high seas and no state is permitted to use force against ships lawfully registered under another state’s jurisdiction.
Washington Defends Global Blockade on Venezuelan Oil
U.S. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth stated that the blockade on Venezuelan oil remains fully in effect worldwide.
He said the United States will continue enforcing the blockade against what it calls a “dark fleet” transporting Venezuelan oil, declaring that only energy trade deemed legal by Washington will be permitted.
Russian Foreign Ministry Demands Crew’s Return
For its part, the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Moscow is closely monitoring reports regarding the landing of U.S. military personnel on the Russian-flagged ship Marinera.
Russia formally demanded that the United States not hinder the rapid return of Russian citizens from the vessel and called for humane and dignified treatment of the crew, insisting that their rights and interests must be respected.
British newspapers also reported that a second U.S. operation to seize another vessel in Latin America is currently underway, signaling a broader escalation of U.S. maritime operations targeting ships linked to Venezuela. (PW)