UK and US Collaborate to Intercept Russian Oil Tanker: What You Need to Know

Joint Operation Against Sanctions Evasion

In a significant development, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer held a conversation with former President Donald Trump regarding the UK’s military support for the US in seizing a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic. This operation was executed by the US Coast Guard.

According to a statement from Downing Street, the two leaders discussed the coordinated effort to intercept the vessel named 'Bella 1', which is part of broader initiatives to combat sanctions violations, alongside updates on the situation in Ukraine and US actions in Venezuela.

The UK Ministry of Defence confirmed that it responded to a US request by deploying Royal Air Force surveillance aircraft and the Royal Navy support ship 'RFA Tideforce'.

Defence Secretary John Healey emphasized that the UK's involvement in this pre-planned operation adhered strictly to international law, highlighting the robust defence and security partnership between the UK and the US.

The tanker, previously known as 'Bella 1' and linked to Venezuela, was sanctioned by the US due to its connections with Iran and was reportedly attempting to disguise its identity by turning off its transponders.

Healey praised the professionalism of the UK armed forces in successfully supporting the US interception of the 'Bella 1', which was en route to Russia. He noted that this operation is part of global efforts to combat sanctions evasion.

He further stated, 'This vessel, with a dubious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian network that facilitates sanctions evasion, contributing to terrorism and conflict from the Middle East to Ukraine. The UK will intensify its actions against such shadow fleet activities to safeguard our national security and global stability.'

The Defence Secretary described the operation as 'seamlessly executed' against a vessel believed to be involved in illegal activities associated with international terrorism, including connections to Hezbollah.

In a statement to the House of Commons, Healey reiterated that the UK will not tolerate increasing malign activities at sea and will continue to collaborate with allies to address threats posed by shadow vessels.

He remarked, 'By assisting our US partners in removing this ship from the seas, we are ensuring the safety of the British public. This serves as a stark reminder of the evolving and unpredictable nature of global security threats.'

The UK Ministry of Defence has observed a 27% decline in Russia's oil revenues since October 2024, marking the lowest levels since the onset of the conflict in Ukraine, attributed to efforts aimed at disrupting Russian oil transport.