A high-seas chase, a shadowing submarine, and a sudden seizure — sounds like a thriller, right? Except this one is very real.
The US has seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic after tracking it for more than two weeks.
Officials say the move is part of Washington’s push to choke off Venezuelan oil exports.
The vessel, now called Marinera, was intercepted near Iceland.
Reportedly while a Russian submarine lingered somewhere nearby. Coincidence, or quiet brinkmanship?
“This is about enforcing sanctions — anywhere in the world,” US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said bluntly online.
The remark underscored how serious the Trump administration is about its maritime blockade.
Sanctions Enforcement Escalates
US officials told Reuters the Coast Guard led the operation, with special forces briefly securing the ship before handing control back.
No confrontation with Russian forces was reported, but Moscow was quick to protest.
One senior lawmaker called the seizure “outright piracy”.
So why this tanker?US authorities say it had slipped through earlier patrols in the Caribbean and refused boarding.
It then re-flagged under Russia — a classic “shadow fleet” tactic used to dodge sanctions.
The seizure comes just days after US forces captured Venezuela’s president, Nicolás Maduro.
It comes amid signs Washington may allow limited Venezuelan oil exports — but only on its terms.
The message seems clear: the oceans are big, but the net is tightening.
