The USA seized a stateless vessel: the tanker had a false flag and ties to Iran.

According to ТСН: The oil tanker Marinera, seized by the United States, was operating under a 'false flag'. The vessel has no state affiliation and falls under sanction rules.

This information was reported by UK Defense Minister John Healey while speaking in the House of Commons. He stated that no British serviceman took part in the boarding of the tanker, however, the British Armed Forces provided operational support at the request of the USA.

The vessel's actions and sanctions

'On December 20, the vessel refused to comply with US sanctions requirements, after which the American Coast Guard ship “Monroe” started pursuing it across the Atlantic. This stateless vessel has a long history of criminal activity and is closely linked to Iran and Russia,' he noted.

Healey emphasized that a 'stateless vessel' can be legally intercepted and fall under the jurisdiction of the country banning it.

The situation with the tanker

According to Healey, the tanker is currently under US control. American forces, according to the politician, 'demonstrated tremendous courage and professionalism in the dangerous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean'.

'The measures taken by the USA were based on counter-sanctions against Iran, aimed at preventing Iran from fueling instability through profits from illegal oil sales,' Healey emphasized.

It should be noted that on January 7, the USA seized an oil tanker under a Russian flag. Recently, the vessel, previously known as Bella-1, managed to slip through the marine blockade of American sanction tankers and evaded attempts by the US Coast Guard to intercept it.

The origins of this situation may have serious consequences for international relations, especially in the context of the state of relations between the USA, Iran, and Russia. Contact between military forces at such times always raises concerns, as it may lead to conflict escalation. Observers say that the situation should be closely monitored, as actions occurring in the Atlantic may impact global political and economic stability.