Oil tankers are basically "weapons of mass environment destruction" (slight hyperbole, sorry ;). When you shoot at them, or their captains have the valves opened, their oil will devastate a sizable chunk of sea and coastline.
So you really need to tread lightly around enemy oil tankers.
> can’t see any update that says they have engaged. So yes… I think.
I wouldn't be suprised if Trump chickens out. But this logic is terrible.
The same pursuit that has been happening for days continues to happen. That the pattern has not changed in reaction to new stimulus isn't proof that the stimulus worked.
> Russia has directly asked the US to leave the ship alone
Yes. I am aware. Flags are being painted, registries updated and sternely-worded letters sent. The ship sails on. So do its pursuers.
> It’s going to be hard to duck this one
It really shouldn't be.
Just board the ship. Putin makes noises about international law. A D.C. lawyer insists that no, the vessel was stateless when found. And assuming there isn't like fissile material or a senior IRGC liaison on board, everyone grumbles and moves on.
Trump and Putin have a complicated relationship. But about the single thing that this will not depend on will be what maritime law says the U.S. should do. (And I think the legal arguments for seizure are on America's side on this one.)
Has the White House rolled over?