UK Confirms INTEL Support for U.S. Special Forces Seizure of Russian-Linked Tanker BELLA.

The UK Ministry of Defence disclosed on January 7, 2026, that Britain provided critical operational support to a US military operation that seized the Russian-linked tanker BELLA 1 in the North Atlantic. The disclosure underscores the depth of UK involvement in enforcing Iran-related sanctions, even without British forces taking part in the boarding.

The United Kingdom played a decisive behind-the-scenes role in a recent US military operation that led to the seizure of the tanker BELLA 1, a vessel assessed as Russian-linked and operating in violation of Iran sanctions, according to information released by the UK Ministry of Defence on January 7. While US forces conducted the physical interception and boarding northwest of Britain and Ireland, the operation relied heavily on UK-provided basing access, intelligence sharing, surveillance coverage, and maritime logistics support, highlighting the integrated nature of US-UK military enforcement activities in the North Atlantic.
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Screenshot from a video released by the US Coast Guard showing USCGC Munro approaching the Russian oil tanker M/V Marinara (BELLA 1) after the operation. (Picture source: U.S Coast Guard)

The interception followed several weeks of tracking a vessel long associated with sanctions evasion networks and clandestine maritime activity linked to Iran and Russia. Initially sanctioned by the US Treasury in 2024 for transporting Iranian crude oil, BELLA 1 had repeatedly altered its identity to avoid enforcement, changing its name and flag multiple times. In late December, the tanker was sailing under a false Guyanese flag while crossing the Atlantic, before rapidly reflagging under Russia and adopting the name Marinera as US authorities approached. British defence officials described the vessel as effectively stateless at the time of interception, a legal status that permits interdiction under international law.

UK involvement was authorized directly by Defence Secretary John Healey following a formal request from Washington. Addressing the House of Commons on the evening of January 7, Healey confirmed that the operation was led by the United States but relied on UK operational support planned in advance. British airbases were made available to US forces, notably RAF Mildenhall, which supported maritime patrol, surveillance, and US special operations aviation operating along the North Atlantic corridor between the United Kingdom and Iceland. RAF Fairford was also used for the forward staging of US strategic airlift aircraft, including several C-17 transports, enabling the rapid deployment of US Special Forces, equipment, and aviation assets required for the interception.

At the same time, the Royal Air Force provided high-level airborne intelligence support through the deployment of RC-135W Rivet Joint aircraft. Operated by No. 51 Squadron, the Rivet Joint is a signals intelligence platform designed to intercept, geolocate, and analyze a wide range of communications and electronic emissions across large maritime areas. With long endurance and real-time data links, the aircraft enabled UK and US command staffs to track BELLA 1’s movements, assess crew activity, and maintain continuous situational awareness as the vessel transited the Atlantic under increasingly severe winter weather conditions. This intelligence was combined with data from US P-8 Poseidon maritime patrol aircraft also operating from UK bases.

At sea, the Royal Fleet Auxiliary played a key logistical role through the deployment of RFA Tideforce, a Tide-class fast fleet tanker designed to support sustained naval operations. With a displacement exceeding 39,000 tonnes, Tideforce can carry up to 19,000 cubic metres of fuel and aviation products, along with fresh water, dry cargo, and limited quantities of ammunition. Equipped with multiple replenishment-at-sea stations and a flight deck capable of supporting medium-sized helicopters, the vessel enabled US naval units to refuel and resupply without interrupting the pursuit. This capability was particularly relevant in the demanding North Atlantic environment, allowing US surface ships and embarked aviation assets to remain on station for extended periods.

Beyond the visible platforms, UK maritime domain awareness systems and airspace control authorities contributed by integrating radar data, AIS tracking, and military sensors into a shared operational picture. This supported the safe and coordinated management of aircraft, vessels, and support assets in a heavily used maritime and airspace area northwest of Britain and Ireland.

Despite this level of involvement, Healey emphasized that no UK forces participated in the physical boarding of the vessel, which was carried out exclusively by US special forces and US Coast Guard elements. Once seized, BELLA 1 was placed under full US control, with the Defence Secretary noting the professionalism of US personnel operating in what he described as dangerous and rapidly deteriorating maritime conditions.

The UK government justified its support through three related objectives. The first was the enforcement of sanctions against Iran by disrupting illicit oil revenues, with BELLA 1 having transported more than 7.3 million barrels of Iranian crude over a four-year period. The second objective focused on countering the growing threat posed by shadow fleets, particularly Russian vessels used to bypass sanctions linked to the war in Ukraine. The third objective related to national security, with the operation framed as a measure to protect the UK against espionage activities, cyber threats, and aggressive maritime actions attributed to Iran and Russia. The seizure of BELLA 1 reinforced the message that London is prepared to act alongside Washington to counter Russian and Iranian activities across multiple domains, from the conflict in Ukraine to North Atlantic sea lines of communication.

The BELLA 1 operation highlights the operational importance of enabling capabilities such as signals intelligence aircraft, access to forward bases, and naval logistics platforms like RFA Tideforce, areas in which the United Kingdom remains a critical operational partner for the United States.

Written By Erwan Halna du Fretay - Defense Analyst, Army Recognition Group

Erwan Halna du Fretay is a graduate of a Master’s degree in International Relations and has experience in the study of conflicts and global arms transfers. His research interests lie in security and strategic studies, particularly the dynamics of the defense industry, the evolution of military technologies, and the strategic transformation of armed forces.