US Seizes Russian Tanker Near Iceland Amid Venezuela Sanctions Crackdown

• The US seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker, Marinera (formerly Bella 1), in the North Atlantic near Iceland, after tracking it for over two weeks.
• The seizure, confirmed by US European Command, occurred under a US federal court warrant for violating US sanctions against Venezuela.
• Russian naval assets, including a submarine and warship, were present in the wider area, raising concerns about potential escalation with Moscow.
• The tanker had previously evaded US attempts to board it near Venezuela and re-registered under a Russian flag, which the US considers stateless.
• This high-risk operation is part of President Trump's intensified pressure campaign against Venezuela, which also saw the capture of Nicolas Maduro.

Why It Matters: US seizes Russian-flagged tanker linked to Venezuela sanctions, escalating international tensions.