US Seizes Russian Ship 'Mariner' in Atlantic; Putin's Options Explored Amid War Fears

• US and British navies seized Russian-flagged ship 'Mariner' (formerly 'Bella 1') in the Atlantic, marking the first direct US-Russia confrontation since the Cold War.
• America alleges 'Mariner' was illegally smuggling Iranian oil, flouting sanctions; Russia views seizure as an attack on its sovereignty.
• Russia reportedly deployed a submarine, leading to a tense standoff with the American Coast Guard in the Atlantic.
• Putin faces options including seizing an allied ship, warning shots, canceling US-Ukraine talks, or disrupting global oil supply via Iran.
• Russia's legal standing is complicated as 'Mariner' only recently received temporary Russian flag permission.

Why It Matters: US seizure of Russian ship 'Mariner' escalates US-Russia tensions, raising fears of a major conflict.