UK armed forces delivered pre-planned operational support, including basing, to US military assets involved in pursuing and intercepting the vessel. Royal Fleet Auxiliary Tideforce supported US forces at sea, while the Royal Air Force provided airborne surveillance during the operation.
UK Defence Secretary John Healey said: “Our UK Armed Forces showed skill and professionalism in support of a successful U.S. interception of the vessel Bella 1 while on its way to Russia. This action formed part of global efforts to crack down on sanctions busting.”
Healey added: “This ship, with a nefarious history, is part of a Russian-Iranian axis of sanctions evasion which is fuelling terrorism, conflict, and misery from the Middle East to Ukraine.” He said the UK would “continue to step up our action against shadow fleet activity to protect our national security, our economy, and global stability – making Britain secure at home and strong abroad.”
The defence secretary also underlined the importance of cooperation with Washington, stating: “The U.S. is the UK’s closest defence and security partner and the security of the North Atlantic is critical to both our homelands.” He added: “The depth of our defence relationship with the U.S. is an essential part of our security, and today’s seamlessly executed operation shows just how well this works in practice.”
The Bella 1 is sanctioned by the United States under counter-Iran measures aimed at preventing Tehran from fuelling instability through illegal oil sales. The vessel initially flew a false flag, turned off its transponders at sea and attempted to reflag while being pursued, indicating links to global sanctions evasion.
UK assessments over several years have linked the Bella 1 to illegal activity associated with international terrorism and organised crime, including Hezbollah. The Ministry of Defence said the vessel forms part of a wider web of shadow fleet activity, with its Russian flagging highlighting an interconnected network that threatens national security, damages the economy and undermines global stability.
Source: UK Ministry of Defence.
