The US may act to seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker heading across the Atlantic to Europe, CBS News reported. Officials stated that American forces plan to intercept the ship, which historically has carried Venezuelan crude oil, believed to be between Scotland and Iceland. President Trump indicated last month that he was ordering a blockade of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela.

The US coastguard previously attempted to board the tanker, named Bella 1, in the Caribbean, accused of breaking US sanctions by shipping Iranian oil. The vessel changed course and its name, reflagging to a Russian vessel. As the tanker approaches Europe, approximately 10 US military transport aircraft and helicopters have arrived in the UK.

Russia is monitoring the situation closely, asserting that the tanker is under the protection of the Russian flag and in compliance with international maritime law.

Due to the tanker being in difficult-to-reach waters and the potential diplomatic friction with Russia, US officials are considering an operation to seize the ship without sinking it. The recent focus on the tanker coincides with military actions in Venezuela, including the controversial operation to capture former President Nicolás Maduro.