Bangladesh, Jan. 8 -- The seizure of the oil tanker Marinera by US authorities in early January has triggered a new wave of diplomatic tension, raising serious questions about the legality of unilateral sanctions enforcement on the high seas. The incident, which unfolded across multiple regions – from the Caribbean Sea to the North Atlantic – has drawn condemnation from Russia, China, and several international observers, while Washington maintains the action was lawful under US sanctions regimes.

At the heart of the controversy lies a fundamental dispute over international maritime law, flag state jurisdiction, and the extent to which a single country can enforce its domestic sanctions beyond its territorial waters.

Accordin...