Russia has deployed navy ships to escort an oil tanker, identified as the Marinera but formerly known as the Bella 1, across the Atlantic Ocean, according to a report by CBS News, the BBC's media partner in the United States. The tanker is reportedly being pursued by U.S. forces.

The Marinera, which is currently not carrying any cargo, has historically been used to transport Venezuelan crude oil. Its location on Tuesday was believed to be between Scotland and Iceland. The U.S. Coast Guard previously attempted to board the Bella 1 in the Caribbean last month, acting on a warrant to seize the ship for allegedly violating U.S. sanctions by shipping Iranian oil. The ship then changed course and its name.

The U.S. has been increasing its scrutiny of oil tankers in the region. Last month, President Donald Trump announced he was ordering a "blockade" of sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela. The Venezuelan government responded by condemning the action as "theft." Prior to the U.S. seizure of Nicolás Maduro, Venezuela's former leader, on Saturday, Trump repeatedly accused Maduro's government of using ships to transport drugs to the U.S.

The U.S. actions are based on sanctions imposed on Venezuela and Iran, aimed at curbing their oil exports and limiting revenue streams to their respective governments. These sanctions are intended to pressure the regimes to change their behavior, according to U.S. policy.

The Russian government has not yet officially commented on the deployment of its navy ships. The current status of the Marinera and the intentions of both the Russian and U.S. naval forces remain unclear. Further developments are expected as the tanker continues its journey across the Atlantic.