LONDON (FN) — Britain said Wednesday it assisted U.S. forces in the seizure of a Russia-flagged oil tanker in the North Atlantic, describing the joint operation as part of a broader effort to enforce international sanctions against Moscow and Tehran.
The Ministry of Defence identified the vessel as the Bella 1, which was intercepted in the maritime corridor between the United Kingdom, Iceland and Greenland. Officials said the action followed a U.S. request for support.
British forces provided logistical and surveillance assistance during the operation. The Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tideforce, a support tanker, aided U.S. assets in pursuing and interdicting the vessel, while the Royal Air Force supplied aerial reconnaissance.
Defense Secretary John Healey praised the mission, saying it demonstrated the “skill and professionalism” of British personnel working alongside American counterparts. He called the interception a “seamlessly executed operation” that underscored the depth of cooperation between the two allies.
“This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting,” Healey said. “It shows the strength of our defense relationship with the United States and how effectively our forces can operate together.”
Healey accused the Bella 1 of being linked to what he described as a “Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion,” alleging that the network was fueling terrorism, conflict and instability from the Middle East to Ukraine.
The interception highlights Western governments’ growing focus on enforcing sanctions targeting Russia over its war in Ukraine and Iran over its nuclear program and regional activities. Both countries face restrictions on energy exports, which officials say are being circumvented through covert shipping networks.
Washington has repeatedly accused Moscow and Tehran of collaborating to bypass restrictions on oil sales, with proceeds allegedly used to finance military campaigns and support armed groups. The seizure of the Bella 1 is the latest in a series of actions aimed at disrupting those flows.
British officials emphasized that the operation was “pre-planned” and carried out in international waters. They did not immediately provide details on the fate of the seized tanker or its crew.
The Ministry of Defence said the UK’s role was limited to providing basing and surveillance support, while U.S. forces carried out the actual interdiction. The statement stressed that the mission was conducted in line with international law.
The United States and United Kingdom have long described their defense partnership as the closest in the world. Joint operations at sea, in the air and across NATO deployments are seen as central to both countries’ security strategies.
Wednesday’s interception, officials said, was intended as a signal to Russia and Iran that attempts to evade sanctions will be met with coordinated international enforcement.
By Ntakima
