High seas drama as US seizes Russian tanker

Ship pursued from off Venezuela coast to N Atlantic; Rubio to meet Denmark officials for Greenland talks

WASHINGTON/CARACAS:

The United States on Wednesday seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic after pursuing it from off Venezuela's coast, escalating tensions with Moscow and consolidating Washington's control over Venezuela's oil reserves.

The vessel, formerly known as Bella-1 and recently renamed Marinera, had evaded earlier US attempts to board it near Venezuela, where a US raid last Saturday removed President Nicolas Maduro.

The ship, now sailing under the Russian flag, had been sanctioned by the US since 2024 over alleged ties to Iran and Hezbollah. US European Command said the seizure was carried out pursuant to a warrant issued by a federal court.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth described the action as part of a global blockade on Venezuelan oil, declaring US control "anywhere in the world." Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a second sanctioned tanker had also been seized in the Caribbean, showing US forces roping from helicopters and taking control of the bridge with weapons ready.

President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that 30-50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude would be shipped to US ports, with revenues potentially exceeding $2 billion placed under his control. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright added that Washington would manage Venezuelan oil sales "indefinitely," overseeing both the stored stock and future production.

The operation drew swift condemnation from Moscow. Russia's Transport Ministry called the seizure a violation of international law, citing the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea and arguing that "no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other states." It demanded immediate return of Russian crew members.

Britain said it provided "enabling support" to US forces, with Royal Navy ships and RAF surveillance assets assisting in tracking and interdicting the vessel in the North Atlantic. The UK Ministry of Defence said the tanker had initially flown a false flag and engaged in illicit activity linked to international terrorism. Defence Minister John Healey emphasised the operation was fully compliant with international law.

In Caracas, meanwhile, streets returned to relative normalcy on Wednesday after days of disrupted transport and closed shops following the US operation. Interim President Delcy Rodriguez, a former vice president and energy minister under Maduro, has vowed cooperation with Washington amid fears of further regime change.

The White House signalled that Venezuela's interim authorities will operate under "maximum leverage" from the United States, with decisions "dictated by the United States," according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-phase US plan for Venezuela: stabilisation, ensuring Western and American companies' access to oil during a recovery phase, and eventual political transition. Democrats, including Senator Chris Murphy, criticised the plan as tantamount to "stealing oil at gunpoint."

Trump has warned Rodriguez she faces a "very big price" if she fails to cooperate with US demands, which include ceding control of the oil industry and weakening ties with Cuba, China, Iran, and Russia. Despite the US assertions of control, Rodriguez has insisted, "The government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no-one else," projecting defiance alongside hardliners in the security forces.

Greenland

The tanker seizure and US moves in Venezuela have coincided with renewed tensions over Greenland, an autonomous Danish territory in the Arctic. Trump has "actively discussed" the potential purchase of Greenland with his national security team, citing strategic concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the region.

White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president prefers diplomacy but would not rule out military options, stressing that "all options are always on the table for President Trump."

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he would meet Danish officials next week to discuss the matter, following Denmark's request for talks after Trump's statements about acquiring the island.

Rubio emphasised that the administration intends to address any national security threats through diplomatic channels where possible, though he noted the US has "every president's option" to respond militarily if necessary.

Trump's interest in Greenland, first publicly floated in 2019, has drawn concern from European allies and NATO members, as a US military move on a fellow member could have significant geopolitical repercussions.

House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to reassure lawmakers, stating that he had not heard of any plans to deploy US forces to Greenland and that the focus remains on diplomatic engagement.

Analysts say Greenland's importance lies in its strategic location, mineral wealth, and Arctic access. Some observers suggest that the timing of Trump's Greenland ambitions, coinciding with heightened US intervention in Venezuela, reflects a broader US focus on securing critical resources and strategic outposts amid global competition with Russia and China.