U.S. Seizes Oil Tanker and Boards Another, Raising Tensions With Russia

New York Times - WorldCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Nicholas Nehamas, Eric Schmitt, Julian E. Barnes and Christiaan TriebertJanuary 7, 2026 at 07:15 PM

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The United States seized an oil tanker, previously named Bella 1, in the North Atlantic on Wednesday after a two-week pursuit. The tanker, attempting to evade U.S. efforts to curb Venezuelan oil exports, was initially stopped in the Caribbean while en route to Venezuela to load oil. The crew then flew a Russian flag, prompting Russia to send a naval vessel to escort it. However, no Russian vessels were present when the U.S. Coast Guard boarded the ship, averting a potential confrontation. The seizure signals the U.S. will continue enforcing a partial blockade on Venezuelan oil following the capture of Nicolás Maduro. The U.S. intends to oversee the sale of Venezuela's oil.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Chris Wright 30% Delcy Rodríguez 40% Kristi Noem 40% North Atlantic 60% Nicolás Maduro (Maduro) ×260% Russia ×270% Bella 1 ×470% U.S. Coast Guard ×480% Venezuela ×580% United States ×690%

Keywords

oil tanker seizure 100% venezuela oil exports 90% u.s. coast guard 80% russia 70% maritime interdiction 60% international relations 50% energy policy 50% bella 1 40%