The U.S. military has successfully captured the oil tanker MT Bertha in the Indian Ocean, according to a statement from the Pentagon on February 24, 2026. This vessel, which allegedly sailed under a Cook Islands flag, marks the third tanker linked to Iranian interests that U.S. forces have intercepted while enforcing sanctions on vessels associated with Venezuela.
The MT Bertha, previously known as Martha S, has been sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury due to its connections with **Shanghai Legendary Ship Management Company Ltd.** This tanker is part of what U.S. officials refer to as the Iranian **shadow fleet**. The capture of Bertha follows the seizure of two other tankers, **Veronica III** and **Aquila II**, which were also tracked from the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean as part of sanctions enforcement.
Details of the Operation
The Pentagon’s announcement highlighted the extensive logistical capabilities of U.S. forces, stating, “From the Caribbean to the Indian Ocean, we tracked it and stopped it. No other nation has the global reach, endurance, or will to enforce sanctions at this distance.” Video footage released by the Pentagon showed U.S. forces fast-roping from Navy MH-60S helicopters onto the deck of the tanker, which appeared to be fully loaded at the time of interception.
Sources indicate that the operation involved U.S. Navy assets, with details of the mission referred to the White House for further clarification. Traditionally, the **Coast Guard’s Maritime Security Response Teams** lead these interdictions, supported by naval units as part of a coordinated law enforcement effort.
International Agreements and Implications
The capture of the MT Bertha is significant not only for its implications on international sanctions but also due to the existing agreements between the **Cook Islands** and the United States. The two countries have a shiprider agreement that permits personnel from either nation to board and enforce laws on vessels flying their respective flags. This agreement, established in 2019, has allowed U.S. forces to board ships registered under the Cook Islands flag.
While the MT Bertha claimed to be registered under the Cook Islands flag, records from **Lloyds Seasearcher** indicate that the ship was last registered under this flag from March 16, 2024, to October 31, 2024. The ongoing tracking and capture of tankers such as Bertha, Veronica III, and Aquila II highlight the U.S. commitment to curbing illicit oil trade linked to Iranian entities and their broader geopolitical implications.
As the situation unfolds, the effectiveness of these operations will continue to be monitored, reflecting the ongoing tensions surrounding international maritime law and sanctions enforcement in strategic waters.
