US Military Seizes Secret Iranian Oil Tanker

US Forces Board and Seize Sanctioned Iranian Oil Tanker

In a significant escalation of maritime interdiction operations, U.S. military forces have successfully stormed and seized a secret Iranian oil tanker identified as the ‘Bertha’. The operation, confirmed by the U.S. Department of War and documented with dramatic video footage, took place in international waters. The vessel was reportedly engaged in illicit activities, including the transfer of sanctioned Iranian oil, defying international sanctions and U.S. pressure on regimes in Tehran and Moscow.

Operation ‘Right of Visit’ Targets Shadow Fleet

The boarding of the ‘Bertha’ was conducted under a ‘right of visit’ maritime interdiction, a legal framework allowing naval forces to stop and board vessels suspected of violating international law or sanctions. According to officials, the tanker was operating in defiance of sanctions previously imposed by the U.S. government and was attempting to evade detection by moving from the Caribbean towards the Indian Ocean. U.S. forces tracked the vessel and intercepted it, demonstrating a global reach and commitment to enforcing sanctions.

A statement from the Department of War emphasized the U.S. military’s resolve: “International waters are not a refuge for sanctioned actors by land, air or sea. Our forces will find you and deliver justice. The Department of War will deny illicit actors and their proxies freedom of maneuver in the maritime domain.”

Dramatic Footage Shows Special Forces Operation

Released by the U.S. Department of War, the video footage captures the intensity of the operation. It shows U.S. special forces rappelling from helicopters onto the deck of the tanker, with door gunners providing cover. The crew of the ‘Bertha’, recognizing the overwhelming force and the futility of resistance, reportedly chose not to engage, leading to a peaceful resolution of the boarding. No shots were fired during the seizure.

The video highlights the advanced capabilities and swift execution of U.S. maritime interdiction forces, showcasing techniques such as fast-roping and the readiness of armed personnel to secure the vessel. While the specific unit involved was not explicitly named, the operation is indicative of the specialized training and equipment employed by U.S. Navy SEALs or Coast Guard commandos in such high-stakes missions.

Broader Implications: Targeting Iran’s Oil Revenue and Chinese Involvement

This seizure is part of a broader U.S. strategy to disrupt the financial lifelines of sanctioned nations, particularly Iran and Russia, by preventing them from profiting from oil sales. By intercepting tankers involved in the illicit trade of sanctioned oil, the U.S. aims to cripple their ability to fund military operations and potentially destabilizing activities.

The ‘Bertha’ is identified as a member of Iran’s ‘shadow fleet,’ a network of tankers used to circumvent international sanctions. Investigations reveal the vessel’s affiliation with the Chinese company Shanghai Legendary Ship Management Company Limited, whose fleet has been implicated in the illegal transportation of millions of barrels of Iranian oil since at least 2022. The U.S. imposed sanctions on the vessel on December 3rd, 2024. This seizure thus represents a dual blow, targeting both Iran’s illicit oil trade and potentially Chinese entities involved in facilitating it.

The U.S. government views this action not only as a means to enforce sanctions but also as a deterrent against other nations considering similar evasive tactics. The operation underscores the U.S. military’s capability to project power and enforce its policies across vast maritime domains, sending a clear message to regimes seeking to circumvent international pressure.

Previous Seizures Underscore Ongoing Enforcement Efforts

The seizure of the ‘Bertha’ is not an isolated incident. The transcript references several other recent operations, including incidents on January 7th, January 9th, January 15th, and February 15th, where U.S. forces have boarded and seized other oil tankers. Footage from these operations, including the use of flashbang grenades during a January 9th boarding, further illustrates the proactive and aggressive stance taken by the U.S. military in intercepting illicit shipments.

These repeated actions demonstrate a consistent and determined effort by the United States to maintain pressure on sanctioned states and disrupt their revenue streams. The U.S. asserts that its military is unparalleled in its global reach and capability to pursue and intercept vessels engaged in prohibited activities, regardless of their location.

Future Outlook: Continued Pressure on Illicit Maritime Trade

The successful seizure of the ‘Bertha’ signals a continued commitment by the United States to combating illicit oil trafficking and enforcing international sanctions. As geopolitical tensions remain high, particularly concerning Iran’s regional activities and global energy markets, further interdiction operations can be anticipated. The U.S. military’s message is clear: nations and entities attempting to profit from sanctioned oil will face robust enforcement actions, with no safe haven in international waters.

Source: BREAKING: U.S. Military STORMS Secret Iran Ship *CRAZY FOOTAGE* (YouTube)