Denmark confirmed it assisted U.S. forces last week in intercepting an oil tanker in the eastern Atlantic for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions. The Danish official spoke anonymously and declined to provide details of the support. The revelation comes amid strained ties after President Trump floated taking Greenland; U.S., Danish and Greenlandic officials are meeting in Washington this week. The interception followed a weekslong pursuit that began in the Caribbean as part of U.S. efforts to target sanctioned vessels linked to Venezuela.
Denmark Confirms Role in U.S. Interception of Sanctions-Bound Oil Tanker Amid Greenland Tensions
Vice President JD Vance speaks during a briefing at the White House, Thursday, Jan. 8, 2026, in Washington. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
A Danish government official confirmed Tuesday that Denmark provided support to U.S. forces last week when they intercepted an oil tanker in the eastern Atlantic for alleged violations of U.S. sanctions. The official spoke on the condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the sensitive operation publicly and declined to describe the specifics of Denmark's assistance.
Operation And Pursuit
The interception capped a weekslong pursuit that began in the Caribbean Sea and formed part of a broader U.S. effort to interdict vessels subject to sanctions entering and leaving Venezuelan waters. U.S. military and government spokespeople did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Diplomatic Context
The disclosure of Danish support comes at a politically sensitive moment in U.S.-Danish relations after President Donald Trump repeatedly suggested the United States might seek to take control of Greenland, Denmark's strategic Arctic territory. Copenhagen and Nuuk have consistently rejected any suggestion the island is for sale and expressed frustration at comments that left open the use of force.
U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are scheduled to meet in Washington with Danish Foreign Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen and Greenlandic leader Vivian Motzfeldt to discuss bilateral relations and related concerns.
Note: Newsmax was the first outlet to report Denmark's role in the operation.
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