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Washington cracks down on sanctioned oil flows, raising geopolitical tensions.

US Seizes Russian-Flagged and Venezuela-Linked Oil Tankers as Trump Intensifies Oil Pressure.

In a major escalation of its campaign to control oil exports linked to Venezuela, the United States has seized two oil tankers, including one flying a Russian flag, in the Atlantic and Caribbean Sea. The Russian-flagged Marinera—formerly Bella-1—was intercepted in the North Atlantic after a weeks-long pursuit by the U.S. Coast Guard and military under a U.S. court warrant for sanctions violations. A second vessel, the Panama-flagged M Sophia, was also taken in international waters near the Caribbean. The actions are part of a broader effort by President Donald Trump’s administration to enforce sanctions, disrupt what it terms a “shadow fleet” transporting sanctioned Venezuelan oil, and tighten its oil blockade on Caracas. Russia condemned the seizure as unlawful and akin to piracy, citing maritime law, while global reactions highlight rising geopolitical friction. The intensified U.S. push comes amid broader moves against Venezuela’s government and control over its oil resources.