In a bold move, Russia has mobilized its naval forces to safeguard an oil tanker currently under sanctions as it navigates the Atlantic Ocean. This development arises amidst increasing threats from the United States, which has expressed intentions to apprehend the vessel.

This protective action by Russia follows reports of U.S. forces allegedly preparing to board the ship. The tanker has been notorious for its role in transporting Venezuelan crude oil. Its most recent position was recorded between Scotland and Iceland, sparking heightened tensions on international waters.

As reported by CBS News, Russia’s intervention to escort the tanker signifies a significant escalation in the maritime standoff, drawing global attention to the unfolding drama at sea.

The tanker, currently without cargo, was previously known as Bella 1. Last month, an attempt by the U.S. Coast Guard to board the vessel in the Caribbean was thwarted. They possessed a warrant aimed at seizing the ship due to alleged violations of U.S. sanctions and accusations of transporting Iranian oil.

In a surprising twist, the vessel altered its course, adopted a new identity as Marinera, and reportedly switched its registration from Guyana to Russia, further complicating the geopolitical stakes involved in this maritime saga.

Donald Trump last month said he had ordered a ‘blockade’ of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, a policy the government in Caracas branded ‘theft’.

In the run-up to the US seizure of the country’s former leader Nicolás Maduro on Saturday, Trump repeatedly accused Venezuela’s government of using ships to smuggle drugs into the US.

Two US officials told CBS News on Tuesday that American forces were planning to board the Marinera and that Washington would prefer to seize the vessel rather than sink it.

Russia has dispatched navy assets to protect a sanctioned oil tanker as it crosses the Atlantic, amid mounting threats from the US to seize the vessel

The US military’s Southern Command reinforced that message in a social media post, saying it ‘remains ready to support our US government agency partners in standing against sanctioned vessels and actors transiting through this region.

‘Our sea services are vigilant, agile, and postured to track vessels of interest. When the call comes, we will be there.’

The tanker’s north Atlantic position, combined with rough weather and long distances from land, is thought to be making any boarding operation difficult. AIS tracking data, which can be spoofed or falsified, suggested the ship was around 2,000km (1,200 miles) west of continental Europe on Tuesday.

Its approach towards Europe has also coincided with the arrival of around 10 US military transport aircraft and helicopters, raising further questions about whether a major operation is being prepared.

Russia said it was ‘monitoring with concern’ the situation surrounding the ship and accused the US and Nato of excessive scrutiny.

‘At present, our vessel is sailing in the international waters of the North Atlantic under the state flag of the Russian Federation and in full compliance with the norms of international maritime law,’ Russia’s foreign ministry said.

‘For reasons unclear to us, the Russian ship is being given increased and clearly disproportionate attention by the US and Nato military, despite its peaceful status.

‘We expect that Western countries, which declare their commitment to freedom of navigation on the high seas, will begin adhering to this principle themselves.’

Under international law, ships are protected by the country whose flag they fly. But maritime experts say the tanker’s rebranding is unlikely to deter US action.

Dimitris Ampatzidis, senior risk and compliance analyst at maritime intelligence firm Kpler, told BBC Verify that changing the ship’s name and flag may count for little.

‘US action is driven by the vessel’s underlying identity [IMO number], ownership/control networks, and sanctions history, not by its painted markings or flag claim,’ he said.

Ampatzidis added that switching to the Russian registry could spark ‘diplomatic friction’ but would not necessarily prevent US enforcement.

Before any US military operation launched from the UK, Washington would be expected to inform its ally. For now, the UK Ministry of Defence has declined to comment, saying it will not discuss the military activities of other nations.