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U.S. Seizure of Russian-Flagged Tanker Heightens Global Tensions

The ship, currently between Iceland and the British Isles, has been accused of breaking US sanctions and shipping Iranian oil. It has historically transported Venezuelan crude oil. The United States has seized a Russian‑flagged oil tanker linked to Venezuela after a prolonged pursuit across the Atlantic, marking one of the most assertive enforcement actions under Washington’s sanctions program. The vessel, previously known as Bella‑1 and later renamed Marinera , was intercepted after evading an earlier boarding attempt near Venezuelan waters. U.S. military aircraft and naval units tracked the ship for weeks as it traveled across the Atlantic, at times shadowed by Russian naval vessels. Officials say the tanker was part of a network used to transport sanctioned Venezuelan and Russian oil. Its capture underscores Washington’s efforts to disrupt what it describes as illicit energy shipments that help sustain both governments. The operation comes at a delicate geopolitical moment, wit...

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New Trade Clock: U.S. to Launch Canadian Tariffs Feb. 1 with Energy Levies Set for Mid-February

In a recent announcement, President Donald Trump outlined a fresh timetable for imposing tariffs on Canadian imports. According to the statement, standard tariffs on a broad range of Canadian goods are slated to begin on February 1. In a move aimed at tempering potential disruptions in the energy sector, Trump indicated that targeted levies on oil and gas products might be introduced around February 18, likely at a lower rate—around 10%—compared to the 25% tariff planned for most other products.

This staggered approach appears designed to address long-standing trade imbalances and border security issues while minimizing the shock to energy prices for American consumers. By delaying the energy-specific tariffs, the administration may be seeking additional time for negotiations with Canadian officials, who have already warned that retaliatory measures could follow if the tariffs are fully implemented.

Market analysts view the phased implementation as both a negotiation tactic and a means of reducing the immediate economic impact on sensitive sectors. Investors are now keeping a close watch on developments as uncertainty over these measures continues to influence market sentiment, with concerns over inflation and supply chain disruptions remaining high.


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