Ship pursued from the coast of Venezuela to the North Atlantic; Rubio to meet with Danish officials for talks with Greenland
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio speaks to the media on the day of a briefing for the House of Representatives on the situation in Venezuela, on Capitol Hill. Photo: Reuters
WASHINGTON/CARACAS:
The United States seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic on Wednesday after chasing it off the coast of Venezuela, raising tensions with Moscow and cementing Washington’s control over Venezuela’s oil reserves.
The ship, formerly known as Bella-1 and recently renamed Marinera, had evaded previous U.S. attempts to board it near Venezuela, where a U.S. raid last Saturday overthrew President Nicolás Maduro.
The ship, which now sails under the Russian flag, had been sanctioned by the United States since 2024 for alleged links to Iran and Hezbollah. The US European Command said the seizure was carried out pursuant to an order issued by a federal court.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth described the action as part of a global blockade on Venezuelan oil, declaring US control “anywhere in the world.” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said a second sanctioned tanker had also been seized in the Caribbean, showing US forces deploying from helicopters and taking control of the bridge with weapons at the ready.
President Donald Trump said Tuesday that between 30 million and 50 million barrels of Venezuelan crude would be shipped to U.S. ports, with revenues potentially exceeding $2 billion placed under his control. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright added that Washington would manage Venezuelan oil sales “indefinitely”, monitoring both stored stocks and future production.
The operation drew swift condemnation from Moscow. Russia’s Transport Ministry called the seizure a violation of international law, citing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and arguing that “no State has the right to use force against vessels duly registered under the jurisdiction of other States.” He demanded the immediate return of the Russian crew members.
Britain said it provided “facilitating support” to US forces, with Royal Navy ships and RAF surveillance assets helping to track and intercept the ship in the North Atlantic. The UK Ministry of Defense said the tanker had initially flown a false flag and engaged in illicit activities linked to international terrorism. Defense Minister John Healey emphasized that the operation was in full compliance with international law.
Meanwhile, in Caracas, the streets returned to relative normality on Wednesday after days of disrupted transportation and closed businesses following the US operation. Interim President Delcy Rodríguez, a former vice president and energy minister during the Maduro government, has promised to cooperate with Washington amid fears of further regime change.
The White House noted that Venezuela’s interim authorities will operate under the “maximum influence” of the United States, with decisions “dictated by the United States,” according to Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio outlined a three-phase U.S. plan for Venezuela: stabilization, guaranteeing access to oil for Western and American companies during a recovery phase, and an eventual political transition. Democrats, including Sen. Chris Murphy, criticized the plan as tantamount to “stealing oil at gunpoint.”
Trump has warned Rodriguez that he faces a “very high price” if he does not cooperate with US demands, which include ceding control of the oil industry and weakening ties with Cuba, China, Iran and Russia. Despite claims of US control, Rodríguez has insisted that “the government of Venezuela is in charge in our country, and no one else,” projecting defiance alongside hardline members of the security forces.
Green Earth
The tanker seizure and US moves in Venezuela have coincided with renewed tensions over Greenland, a Danish autonomous territory in the Arctic. Trump has “actively discussed” the possible purchase of Greenland with his national security team, citing strategic concerns about Russian and Chinese influence in the region.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the president prefers diplomacy but would not rule out military options, emphasizing that “all options are always on the table for President Trump.”
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio confirmed he would meet with Danish officials next week to discuss the matter, following Denmark’s request for talks following Trump’s remarks about acquiring the island.
Rubio emphasized that the administration intends to address any national security threats through diplomatic channels when possible, although he noted that the United States has “the option of all presidents” to respond militarily if necessary.
Trump’s interest in Greenland, which first became public in 2019, has raised concerns among European allies and NATO members that a US military move against a member could have significant geopolitical repercussions.
House Speaker Mike Johnson sought to reassure lawmakers that he had not heard of any plans to deploy U.S. forces in Greenland and that the focus remains on diplomatic engagement.
Analysts say Greenland’s importance lies in its strategic location, mineral wealth and access to the Arctic. Some observers suggest that the timing of Trump’s ambitions in Greenland, coinciding with increased US intervention in Venezuela, reflects a broader US focus on securing critical resources and strategic outposts amid global competition with Russia and China.
