Donald Trump has announced that Venezuela will only purchase “American-made” products with the money made from its deal with the U.S. over oil production, following the seizure of two sanctioned tankers linked to the South American nation.
“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States,” the president wrote on Truth Social.
Trump previously claimed that American companies would send workers to Venezuela to help rebuild the nation’s oil industry infrastructure, though no concrete plans have been shared, and that its oil would – for now – be sold by the U.S.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that all proceeds from the sale of the oil would “settle” in U.S. bank accounts to “guarantee the legitimacy” before being disbursed back to Venezuela.
The two Venezuela-linked tankers, a Russian-flagged vessel named the Marinera and the M/T Sophia, both said to be part of an illegal “shadow fleet” carrying oil in breach of international sanctions, were seized on Wednesday.
Read MoreUS seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker off British waters
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‘Chaos is coming’: Venezuela primed for violent insurgency following US intervention, experts warn
Key Points
- US says it will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely
- US seizes Venezuela-linked oil tanker traveling off British waters, officials confirm
- British armed forces helped US seizure of oil tanker
- US military confirms second Venezuela-linked vessel apprehended
- Russia says US seizure of oil tanker violates maritime law
US military could be deployed in Venezuela to protect workers
04:10 , Mike BediganWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the US military could be deployed in Venezuela to help protect oil workers sent there by American oil companies.
Asked about how the government could reassure the US oil companies that their workers would be safe, Leavitt confirmed that troops may be involved.
“The president, of course, reserves the right to use the military if necessary,” she said.
US says it will control Venezuelan oil sales indefinitely
04:00 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarU.S. officials have claimed that the Trump administration needs to control Venezuela's oil sales and revenue indefinitely to stabilize that country's economy, rebuild its oil sector and ensure it acts in America's interests.
The comments reflect the importance of crude oil to President Donald Trump's strategy in Venezuela after U.S. forces ousted the country's leader, Nicolas Maduro, in a raid on the capital Caracas on Saturday.
"We need to have that leverage and that control of those oil sales to drive the changes that simply must happen in Venezuela," U.S. energy secretary Chris Wright said at the Goldman Sachs Energy, CleanTech & Utilities Conference in Miami.
He said the revenues would be used to stabilize Venezuela's economy and eventually to repay oil majors Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips for losses when their assets were nationalized by former President Hugo Chavez nearly two decades ago.
U.S. vice president JD Vance said that controlling Venezuela's oil meant controlling the country.
"We control the energy resources, and we tell the regime: 'You're allowed to sell the oil so long as you serve America's national interest; you're not allowed to sell it if you can't serve America's national interest," he told the Fox News.
UK armed forces helped US seizure of oil tanker
03:37 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarThe British army supported the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic yesterday, the Ministry of Defence said.
The U.S. seized two Venezuela-linked oil tankers in the Atlantic Ocean, one sailing under Russia's flag called the Marinera, as part of president Donald Trump's aggressive push to dictate oil flows in the Americas.
After capturing Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro in a Saturday military raid on Caracas, the U.S. is escalating its blockade of vessels that are under sanctions and going to and from the South American country, a member of the OPEC oil producers group.
The UK MoD said the US asked Britain for assistance, and RAF surveillance aircraft and a Royal Navy support ship, the RFA Tideforce, took part in the operation.
Defence secretary John Healey said the action was "in full compliance with international law", adding the UK "will not stand by as malign activity increases on the high seas".
Chevron in talks with US for expanded Venezuela oil license
03:36 , Alisha Rahaman SarkarOil producer Chevron is in talks with the U.S. government to expand a key license to operate in Venezuela so it can increase crude exports to its own refineries and sell to other buyers, according to a Reuters report.
The talks come as Washington and Caracas progress in talks to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the U.S. and president Donald Trump presses American oil companies to invest in the South American country's energy sector.
U.S. officials have said this week that proceeds from the Venezuelan oil supply, which is expected to help state energy company PDVSA drain inventories amid a severe oil blockade, will go to a U.S.-overseen trustee. Proceeds are meant to finance supplies of American goods to Venezuela.
Chevron is the only U.S. oil major operating in Venezuela, which it does under an authorization from the U.S. government that exempts it from sanctions on the country.
As part of its sanction-hardening campaign to weaken Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, the Trump administration in July put additional restrictions on Chevron's license.
Those restrictions reduced the volume of Venezuelan crude the company is exporting to the U.S. to some 100,000 barrels per day in December from 250,000 bpd earlier this year.
All money from sale of Venezuelan oil will 'settle in US accounts' first, White House says
03:30 , Mike BediganThe White House has said that all proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan oil will “settle” in US bank accounts to “guarantee the legitimacy” before being disbursed back the South American nation.
“The United States government has already begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday.
“All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and products will first settle in U.S. accounts at globally recognized banks to guarantee the legitimacy and integrity of the ultimate distribution of proceeds, and those funds will be disbursed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people, at the discretion of the United States government.”
‘Chaos is coming’: Venezuela primed for violent insurgency following US intervention, experts warn
03:00 , Mike BediganVenezuela could face violent instability following the shock capture of President Nicolas Maduro by the US military, experts have warned.
While Maduro’s vice president Delcy Rodriguez was quickly sworn in with US-backing, there are fears a political vacuum sets the stage for a power struggle among multiple heavily armed factions that could spark an insurgency.
Maira Butt has more:
Venezuela primed for violent insurgency following US intervention, experts warn
Recap: Why has the US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker?
02:30 , Mike BediganThe art of the drill: Trump considers subsidies to push oil companies to drill in Venezuela
02:00 , Mike BediganAfter deposing Venezuela’s president and taking over the country’s enormous oil reserves, President Donald Trump is floating the idea of using taxpayer funding to incentivize U.S.-based oil companies to expand operations there.
Since the military operation that led to the arrest of Nicolás Maduro and his wife, Trump said he would like the U.S.’s “very large” oil companies to “spend billions of dollars” to fix Venezuela’s broken oil infrastructure.
Read more from Ariana Baio:
Trump considers subsidies to push oil companies to drill in Venezuela
U.S. Energy Sec says fossil fuel giants will be paid back for losses in Venezuela
01:30 , Mike BediganU.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Wednesday that revenue from Venezuelan oil sales will be used to stabilize the country's economy first, before repaying fossil fuel giants such as Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips for their losses there.
Exxon Mobil and ConocoPhillips were major producers in the country before their projects were nationalized by former President Hugo Chavez nearly two decades ago.
Oil prices fall again as tankers seized by U.S.
00:55 , ReutersOil prices fell again on Wednesday as investors digested Trump's deal to import up to $2 billion worth of Venezuelan crude.
The move would lift supplies to the world's largest oil consumer.
Brent crude futures were down 77 cents, or 1.3 percent, to trade at $59.94 a barrel by 1:58 p.m. EST (6.58 p.m. GMT), while U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude fell $1.14, or 2 percent, to $55.99 a barrel.
Both benchmarks slipped more than $1 a barrel during the previous trading session, with market participants expecting ample global supply this year.
The deal between Washington and Caracas initially could require the rerouting of cargoes that were bound for China, sources told Reuters.
Watch: The truth about how many drugs in the US come from Venezuela
00:25 , Mike BediganOil giant in talks with Trump administration to expand Venezuela operating license
00:10 , Mike BediganAmerican oil producer Chevron is in discussions with the US government to expand its operating licence in Venezuela, aiming to increase crude exports to its own refineries and potentially sell to other buyers.
These talks unfold as Washington and Caracas advance negotiations to supply up to 50 million barrels of Venezuelan oil to the United States.
Read more here:
Oil giant in talks with US government to expand Venezuela operating license
Recap: Oil blockades, a two week chase and ‘outright piracy’: All we know about blacklisted supertanker seized by US
Wednesday 7 January 2026 23:52 , Mike BediganEarly Wednesday, U.S. forces seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker being escorted by Russian naval ships in the North Atlantic, days after the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro from his home.
The military and Coast Guard intercepted the Marinera tanker in waters north west of Scotland, after a two-week chase.
The vessel had evaded a U.S. blockade of sanctioned oil tankers near Venezuela, a measure the administration had implemented shortly before an elite unit seized Maduro in the early hours of Saturday.
Here’s a recap, in case you missed it:
Oil blockades ‘outright piracy’: All we know about blacklisted tanker seized by US
Trump says Venezuela will only purchase 'American Made' products with oil money
Wednesday 7 January 2026 23:33 , Mike BediganDonald Trump has announced the Venezuela will only be purchasing “American made” products with the money made from its deal with the U.S. over oil production.
“I have just been informed that Venezuela is going to be purchasing ONLY American Made Products, with the money they receive from our new Oil Deal,” the president wrote on Truth Social Wednesday evening.
“These purchases will include, among other things, American Agricultural Products, and American Made Medicines, Medical Devices, and Equipment to improve Venezuela’s Electric Grid and Energy Facilities.
“In other words, Venezuela is committing to doing business with the United States of America as their principal partner – A wise choice, and a very good thing for the people of Venezuela, and the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
House Dems question next steps on Venezuela following briefing
Wednesday 7 January 2026 23:20 , Mike BediganDuring a classified briefing on Venezuela Wednesday, House Democrats raised concerns about the Trump administration's actions and the next steps to support the country.
Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi said it was "not clear what comes next,” with regard to the running of Venezuela, despite praising the execution of the military operation.
House Foreign Affairs Ranking Member Gregory Meeks agreed, saying he had heard "no plan" for running Venezuela.
Others, including Jason Crow, of Wisconsin, and Seth Moulton, of Massachusetts, claimed that Trump administration officials had not been able to answer basic questions including about timelines and costs.
ICYMI: Trump says Venezuela will turn over 30-50 million barrels of oil
Wednesday 7 January 2026 22:50 , Mike BediganWriting on his Truth Social platform Wednesday, Donald Trump announced that the interim Venezuelan authorities would be turning over between 30 and 50 million barrels of oil to the US.
“I am pleased to announce that the Interim Authorities in Venezuela will be turning over between 30 and 50 MILLION Barrels of High Quality, Sanctioned Oil, to the United States of America,” the president wrote.
“This Oil will be sold at its Market Price, and that money will be controlled by me, as President of the United States of America, to ensure it is used to benefit the people of Venezuela and the United States!
“I have asked Energy Secretary Chris Wright to execute this plan, immediately. It will be taken by storage ships, and brought directly to unloading docks in the United States. Thank you for your attention to this matter!”
Florida rep says he has spoken to Venezuelan opposition leader
Wednesday 7 January 2026 22:20 , Mike BediganRepublican Rick Scott has backed the Trump administration’s seizure of the Venezuelan-linked sanctioned oil tankers.
“Presidents and presidents and presidents have allowed our own backdoor to be taken over by Russians and Chinese and North Koreans, and there is Hezbollah in Iran,” the Florida rep told reporters Wednesday.
“And finally, we have a president that gives a damn. So he’s going to use the power he’s got.”
Scott also said he had spoken to Venezuelan leader of the opposition Maria Machado Tuesday.
“I think what they’re trying to do is make sure there is a transition that doesn’t end up in, bloodshed,” he said.
“And so I think we’ll get to, a free and fair elections. But in the meantime, Delcy Rodriguez is either going to cooperate or she’s going to end up in prison or something else.”
Rodriguez was sworn in as the country’s interim president Monday.
Watch: UK will not stand by as 'malign activity increases' at sea, Healey vows after Venezuela tanker seized
Wednesday 7 January 2026 22:00 , Mike BediganMore details on the second seized tanker
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:43 , Mike BediganUS Homeland Security boss Kristi Noem identified the second tanker seized by the US Wednesday as the Motor Tanker Sophia.
A ship named M Sophia is on the U.S. sanctions list for moving illicit cargos of oil from Russia.
The ship is currently “running dark,” not having transmitted location data since July. Tankers involved in smuggling often turn off their transponders or broadcast inaccurate data to hide their true locations.
Samir Madani, the co-founder of TankerTrackers.com, said his organization had used satellite imagery and surface-level photos to document that at least 16 tankers had left the Venezuelan coast since Saturday, after the U.S. captured Venezuelan president Nicolas Maduro.
The M/T Sophia is one of those ships, Madani said, citing a recent photo showing the tanker located in the waters near Jose Terminal, Venezuela’s main oil export hub.
Trump’s Energy Department outlines new policies for Venezuelan oil
Wednesday 7 January 2026 21:23 , The Associated PressDonald Trump’s administration is “selectively” removing sanctions to enable the shipping and sale of Venezuelan oil to markets worldwide, according to an outline of the policies published Wednesday by the Energy Department.
The oil sales are slated to begin immediately with the sale of 30 million to 50 million barrels from the South American country, and “will continue indefinitely,” the outline says.
Proceeds will settle in U.S. controlled accounts at “globally recognized banks” and then be disbursed to the U.S. and Venezuelan populations at the “discretion” of the Trump administration, it says.
Venezuelan oil company says it is negotiating with Trump administration
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:57 , Mike BediganA Venezuelan state-owned oil company says it's negotiating with the Trump administration to let it sell the country's oil, according to The Associated Press.
Further details about the company or the negotiations were not immediately available.
UK Defence Sec says tanker had 'long history of nefarious activity'
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:44 , Mike BediganIn his statement to the House of Commons, UK Defence Secretary John Healey said the vessel had "refused to comply with the US's exercise of its sanctions jurisdiction on 20 December, after which the US Coast Guard vessel Monroe pursued the ship across the Atlantic.”
"This is a sanctioned, stateless vessel which carries a long history of nefarious activity and shares close links with both Iran and Russia,” he said.
UK Defense Sec hails 'huge courage' of US forces in tanker capture
Wednesday 7 January 2026 20:05 , Mike BediganThe UK's defence secretary John Healey said US forces showed "huge courage" during an operation to seize the Marinera, a Russian-flagged vessel carrying oil in breach of international sanctions.
Speaking to the House of Commons, Mr Healey said the UK supported the operation at the request of President Trump as part of "global efforts to crack down on sanctions-busting and shadow shipping activity".
Earlier on Wednesday the Ministry of Defense said the supply ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft assisted the US operation to seize the tanker, also known as the Bella 1.
"The operation is ongoing but the Bella 1 is now under control of US forces, who demonstrated huge courage in dangerous and deteriorating Atlantic conditions.
"We supported this action to achieve three objectives: to enforce counter-Iran sanctions, tackle the global security threat posed by expanding shadowy maritime activity and to reinforce British homeland security in this era of rising threats."
Trump on collision course with Putin after US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker
Wednesday 7 January 2026 19:45 , Mike BediganUS forces have seized a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic in a dramatic move that could put Donald Trump on a collision course with Vladimir Putin.
The UK later revealed British armed forces provided support to the US’s capture of the Marinera, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland on Wednesday.
Tara Cobham has more:
Trump on collision course with Putin after US seizes Russian-flagged oil tanker
Russia demands humane treatment of its citizens on the seized tanker
Wednesday 7 January 2026 19:33 , The Associated PressThe Russian Foreign Ministry said it’s “closely following” reports about U.S. forces boarding the Marinera tanker and that it has information about Russian nationals among the crew.
“Taking into account the incoming information about Russian citizens among the crew, we demand that the American side ensure humane and dignified treatment of them, strictly respect their rights and interests, and not hinder their speedy return to their homeland,” the ministry said in a statement carried by Russia’s state news agencies Tass and RIA Novosti earlier Wednesday.
Separately, senior Russian lawmaker Andrei Klishas on Wednesday decried the U.S. action against the tanker as “blatant piracy” in an online statement.
Map of Marinera tanker seizure
Wednesday 7 January 2026 19:24 , Mike Bedigan Hegseth defends oil tanker seizures
Wednesday 7 January 2026 19:09 , Mike BediganEarlier Wednesday, US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told reporters that the “leverage” of seizing sanctioned or stateless oil tankers out of Venezuela will continue.
“Our military is prepared to continue this,” Hegseth said. “The president when he speaks, he means it. He’s not messing around. We are an administration of action to advance our interests, and that is on full display.”
The comments came after Hegseth and Secretary of State Marco Rubio briefed lawmakers about the US’s recent military action in Venezuela.
Watch: Why has the US seized a Venezuelan oil tanker?
Wednesday 7 January 2026 19:00 , Mike BediganWhite House says crew of Marinera subject to prosecution
Wednesday 7 January 2026 18:24 , Mike BediganWhite House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said Wednesday the crew of the Russian-flagged, Venezuela-linked oil tanker that was seized by the United States is subject to prosecution.
"The vessel had a judicial seizure order...so that means the crew is now subject to prosecution for any applicable violation of federal law, and they will be brought to the United States for such prosecution, if necessary," Leavitt said.
Trump is ‘dictating’ policy to interim leadership of Venezuela after Maduro capture
Wednesday 7 January 2026 18:07 , Mike BediganThe White House is still claiming to be in charge of Venezuela’s government despite assertions from the country’s newly-minted acting president that her government is continuing to run the country independently after U.S. forces seized Nicolas Maduro from a safe house and brought him to a New York City jail over the weekend.
Read more from Andrew Feinberg here:
Trump is ‘dictating’ policy to interim leadership of Venezuela after Maduro capture
Oil blockades, a two week chase and ‘outright piracy’: All we know about blacklisted supertanker seized by US
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:57 , Mike BediganU.S. forces have seized a sanctioned Venezuelan oil tanker being escorted by Russian naval ships in the North Atlantic, days after the dramatic capture of President Nicolas Maduro.
The military and Coast Guard intercepted the Marinera tanker Wednesday, in waters north west of Scotland, after a two-week chase.
Here’s everything we know about the situation so far:
Oil blockades ‘outright piracy’: All we know about blacklisted tanker seized by US
Watch: Rubio insists Trump admin is not 'winging it' on Venezuela policy
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:47 , Mike BediganAnalysis: Britain is now helping Trump play Big Man in the Atlantic with seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:35 , Mike BediganThe seizure of the oil tanker Marinera and Britain’s role in it is an embarrassing farce, writes world affairs editor Sam Kiley on the Venezuelan-Colombian border.
Read more here:
Britain is now helping Trump play Big Man in the Atlantic with oil tanker raid
Leavitt: 'American dominance is going to continue'
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:23 , Mike BediganKaroline Leavitt refused to confirm details of classified briefings to lawmakers, in which it was alleged that Venezuelan interim authorities had been ordered to cut ties with nations including China and Cuba.
“The administration has made it quite clear to the interim authorities in Venezuela that this is the western hemisphere and American dominance is going to continue.”
Leavitt: The administration has made it quite clear to the interim authorities in Venezuela that this is the western hemisphere and American dominance is going to continue. pic.twitter.com/7I8GwgsdDg
— Acyn (@Acyn) January 7, 2026
US military could be deployed in Venezuela to protect workers
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:13 , Mike BediganWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said that the US military could be deployed in Venezuela to help protect oil workers sent there by American oil companies.
Asked about how the government could reassure the US oil companies that their workers would be safe, Leavitt confirmed that troops may be involved.
“The president, of course, reserves the right to use the military if necessary,” she said.
All money from sale of Venezuelan oil will 'settle in US accounts' first, White House says
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:08 , Mike BediganThe White House has said that all proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan oil will “settle” in US bank accounts to “guarantee the legitimacy” before being disbursed back the South American nation.
“The United States government has already begun marketing Venezuelan crude oil in the global marketplace for the benefit of the United States,” White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt told reporters Wednesday.
“All proceeds from the sale of Venezuelan crude oil and products will first settle in U.S. accounts at globally recognized banks to guarantee the legitimacy and integrity of the ultimate distribution of proceeds, and those funds will be disbursed for the benefit of the American people and the Venezuelan people, at the discretion of the United States government.”
US has 'maximum leverage' over Venezuela, White House says
Wednesday 7 January 2026 17:03 , Mike BediganWhite House press secretary Karoline Leavitt said the US has “maximum leverage” over Venezuela, and that Donald Trump was pursuing his “peace through strength” foreign policy.
Leavitt began her remarks by noting how “the skill, the might of the United States military... is on full display to the rest of the world.”
Asked about the relationship between the Trump administration and the interim authorities in Venezuela, led by Delcy Rodriguez, she added that the two sides were in “close correspondence.”
“We obviously have max leverage with the interim authorities,” Leavitt said.
Rubio reiterates that oil sales will be used to help Venezuelan people
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:54 , Mike BediganIn remarks to reporters Wednesday, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio reiterated that money made from the sale of Venezuelan oil would be used to help the nation’s people.
“Step one is stabilizing Venezuela,” Rubio said.
“We will control how money from the sale of Venezuelan oil will be dispersed in a way that benefits the Venezuelan people.”
Rubio added that the operations in Venezuela would not cost the US any money and that ultimately, it would be up to the Venezuelan people to “transform their country.”
US Secretary of State denies administration is 'winging it' with Venzuela
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:45 , Mike BediganUS Secretary of State Marco Rubio has denied claims America is “winging it” with regard to operations in Venezuela.
When pressed about claims, made by some senators earlier Wednesday, Rubio said: “I used to be a senator too. That's what you always say when it's the other party.
“The bottom line is we’ve gone into great detail with them about the planning... it’s not just saying or speculating what’s going to happen – it’s already happening.”
Q: Some senators in that briefing say you're winging in, that there's no plan for Venezuela going forwar--
— Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) January 7, 2026
MARCO RUBIO: I used to be a senator too. That's what you always say when it's the other party. pic.twitter.com/IqwZK7usST
Mexico now an 'important 'supplier' of oil to Cuba
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:37 , Mike BediganMexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said on Wednesday that Mexico is not sending more oil to Cuba than it has historically, but amid recent events in Venezuela, Mexico has turned into an "important supplier" of crude to Cuba.
Sheinbaum made the comments during her regular morning press conference in response to a question about whether Mexico had become the main supplier of oil to the island
Global oil prices fall amid Trump claims
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:30 , Nicole Wootton-CaneGlobal oil prices fell on Wednesday as President Donald Trump's administration said it had persuaded Venezuela to divert supplies from Beijing and import up to $2 billion worth of embargoed crude.
China denounced the US as a “bully” following the move, which could initially require cargoes bound for Venezuela's top buyer China to be rerouted.
"The United States' brazen use of force against Venezuela and its demand for 'America First' when Venezuela disposes of its own oil resources are typical acts of bullying," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Mao Ning told a press conference.
"These actions seriously violate international law, gravely infringe upon Venezuela's sovereignty, and severely damage the rights of the Venezuelan people."
Lib Dems: Government must say whether tanker seizure was in line with international law
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:27 , Mike BediganThe government must state whether or not action to seize the Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic was in line with international law, the UK Liberal Democrats have said.
Calum Miller MP, the party's foreign affairs spokesperson, said: "The Russian shadow fleet is busting oil sanctions for Russia and allies like Iran. It helps Putin sustain his brutal war on Ukraine. We support measures that stop the illicit flow of oil that powers sanctioned regimes.
"But this is another example where Donald Trump's illegal action in Venezuela has undermined steps to uphold international law.
"The use of US air bases in the UK to launch this operation places a particular obligation on the Government to show that we are committed to acting lawfully. So the Government needs to state whether this military intervention is legal and who is now responsible for the vessel."
Emergency statement on Marinera tanker to be made in House of Commons
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:15 , Mike BediganAn emergency statement on the seizure of the Marinera tanker is expected to be made in the House of Commons this evening.
British armed forces provided support to the United States’ seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker on Wednesday.
The tanker, a Venezuelan-linked vessel previously known as Bella-1, was captured by US forces as it travelled north and eastwards through the waters between Iceland and Scotland.
Russia responds to oil tanker seizures by the United States
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:11 , Mike BediganCBS is reporting on a response by Russian authorities to the seizure of the Marinera by US forces.
Russia responds to oil tanker seizures by the United States. https://t.co/7xXiQhEnch pic.twitter.com/J2MXPT6XiF
— Jim LaPorta (@JimLaPorta) January 7, 2026
US Defense Sec vows to continue blockade of 'dark fleet'
Wednesday 7 January 2026 16:05 , Mike BediganUS Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has vowed that the blockade of “dark fleet vessels” will continue, following the seizure of the Marinera.
“The United States continues to enforce the blockade against all dark fleet vessels illegally transporting Venezuelan oil to finance illicit activity, stealing from the Venezuelan people.
“Only legitimate and lawful energy commerce—as determined by the U.S.—will be permitted.“
US authorities seize two Venezuelan oil tankers
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:57 , Mike BediganTrajectory suggests Marinera may be being escorted to Scotland
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:49 , David MaddoxThe direction of the Russian flagged tanker linked to Venezuela suggests that it could be heading for Scotland under escort. If it is then there are only a handful of ports or bases it could be brought to.
It is highly unlikely that the UK would agree to the Marinera being towed into its only real naval base in Scotland Faslane where the nuclear subs are based.
It could be taken up the Clyde which is a major port and has another naval facility HMS Dalriada. The only other naval facility is HMS Caledonia near Dunfermline.
Major ports include Dundee and Aberdeen as well as the Forth Harbours including Leith, Grangemouth and the former Rosyth naval base where nuclear subs are dismantled.
It could be that the tanker goes further afield and ends up at one of the two naval bases in England in Portsmouth and Plymouth.
British armed forces provided assistance to U.S. operations to seize tanker
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:39 , Mike BediganThe seizure of Russian-flagged oil tanker Marinera was supported by the British armed forces, the UK Ministry of Defence has said.
The MoD said the supply ship RFA Tideforce and RAF surveillance aircraft assisted the US operation to seize the tanker, also known as the Bella 1.
The department insisted the support was “in full compliance with international law”.
Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Today our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful US interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.
“This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.
“The UK will continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability – making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.
“The U.S. is the UK’s closest defence and security partner. The depth of our defence relationship with the US is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.”
The MoD added the ship had initially flown a false flag and is assessed to have been involved in illegal activity linked to Hezbollah.
Marinera in possession of US Coast Guard, reports say
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:25 , Nicole Wootton-CaneThe Marinera is now in possession of the US Coast Guard, and all military forces have left, according to a US official.
They told Reuters on Wednesday the operation had included US special forces, but that they had now left the vessel.
In pictures: Marinera oil tanker seized by US forces
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:16 , Nicole Wootton-Cane Russia says US seizure of oil tanker violates maritime law
Wednesday 7 January 2026 15:04 , Tara CobhamRussia said on Wednesday that the US seizure of a Russian-flagged oil tanker in the Atlantic was a violation of maritime law.
"In accordance with the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, freedom of navigation applies in the high seas, and no state has the right to use force against vessels duly registered in the jurisdictions of other states," the transport ministry said in a statement.
It said contact with the vessel, the Marinera, had been lost after US naval forces boarded it.