U.S. officials are reportedly planning to intercept and seize a Russian-flagged oil tanker currently traversing the Atlantic Ocean towards Europe, according to CBS News, the BBC's media partner in the United States. Two U.S. officials told the broadcaster that the ship, which has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil, is believed to be located between Scotland and Iceland.

The potential interception follows President Donald Trump's statement last month that he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The Venezuelan government responded to this announcement by describing it as "theft." Trump had previously accused the Venezuelan government, then led by Nicolás Maduro, of utilizing ships to transport drugs to the U.S.

Last month, the U.S. Coast Guard attempted to board the Bella 1 in the Caribbean Sea, suspecting it was en route to Venezuela. U.S. authorities had obtained a warrant to seize the vessel, alleging it was violating U.S. sanctions by shipping Iranian oil. The Bella 1 subsequently changed its course, name to the Marinera, and reportedly reflagged.

The U.S. has been increasing pressure on Venezuela through sanctions and other measures, aiming to limit the country's oil revenue and exert influence on its political landscape. These actions are predicated on the U.S. government's stance against the Maduro regime and its efforts to combat drug trafficking. The U.S. maintains that these measures are necessary to promote democracy and stability in the region.

The planned interception of the Russian-flagged tanker represents a further escalation of these efforts. The situation remains fluid, and the exact timing and method of any potential U.S. action are currently unknown.