In a development that is potentially escalating geopolitical tensions after United States seized Venezuelan President on January 3, 2026, the US has now launched a high-stakes operation in the North Atlantic to intercept the Marinera, a Russian-flagged oil tanker suspected of being part of a “shadow fleet” used to bypass international sanctions.
The vessel, which allegedly has ties to Iran and Hezbollah, recently evaded a blockade near Venezuela and was tracked on Wednesday approaching Iceland’s waters.
In a major escalation, Russia deployed a submarine and naval assets to escort the empty tanker after it thwarted a US Coast Guard boarding attempt last month.
The Russian Foreign Ministry expressed “concern” over the pursuit, describing the military attention from the US and NATO as disproportionate for what it claimed was a peaceful mission.
During the weeks-long chase, the tanker reportedly rebranded itself, changing its name and registration to Russia while the crew painted the national flag on its hull.
The confrontation coincides with the dramatic political shift in Venezuela.
Following the US raid that led to the rendition of Nicolas Maduro, President Donald Trump announced that the US would take control of Venezuela’s oil resources.
Interim leader Delcy Rodriguez is now in power, but the logistics and legality of Trump’s claim that Venezuela will hand over tens of millions of barrels of oil to the United States is still both a diplomatic and economic puzzle.
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