U.S. Coast Guard Pursues Sanctioned Oil Tanker Near Venezuela Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

The U.S. Coast Guard is actively pursuing a sanctioned oil tanker in international waters near Venezuela, according to U.S. officials cited by Reuters, marking what could become the third such operation in less than two weeks. The latest pursuit underscores Washington’s intensifying enforcement of sanctions targeting Venezuela’s oil trade and so-called “dark fleet” vessels accused of evading international restrictions.

A U.S. official said the vessel is operating under a false flag and is subject to a judicial seizure order, while another official noted that the tanker has not yet been boarded. Interceptions, they explained, can involve close monitoring by sea or air rather than immediate boarding. Authorities did not disclose the precise location of the operation or officially name the vessel.

However, British maritime risk management firm Vanguard and a U.S. maritime security source identified the ship as Bella 1, a very large crude oil carrier placed on the U.S. Treasury Department’s sanctions list last year due to alleged links with Iran. Data from TankerTrackers.com indicated that Bella 1 was empty as it approached Venezuela. Historical records show the vessel previously transported Venezuelan oil to China in 2021 and had also carried Iranian crude, according to vessel monitoring services.

The operation comes shortly after U.S. President Donald Trump announced a “blockade” targeting all sanctioned oil tankers entering or leaving Venezuela. The administration’s pressure campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has included a heightened military presence and multiple strikes on vessels near Venezuela, escalating regional tensions and drawing international attention.

Meanwhile, the Skipper, the first Venezuela-related tanker seized by the U.S. earlier this month, arrived near Houston at the Galveston Offshore Lightering Area, where large tankers typically transfer oil to smaller vessels. White House officials emphasized that these seizures involve only a limited number of black-market ships and are unlikely to significantly impact U.S. fuel prices.

Despite reassurances, oil markets reacted cautiously. Brent crude and U.S. West Texas Intermediate prices both rose about 0.7% in early Asian trading, as traders weighed the risk of reduced Venezuelan oil exports. Analysts warn that continued enforcement actions could strain Venezuela’s oil revenues, force production cuts, and heighten geopolitical risks in global energy markets.