US Temporarily Lifts Russian Oil Sanctions Amid Iran War, Draws European Fury

The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil currently at sea.

“United States President Donald Trump has said his administration will lift some sanctions on oil-producing countries to keep energy prices down amid the US and Israel’s war on Iran”

Al Jazeera

Treasury Secretary Bessent said it would not provide significant financial benefit to the Russian government.

Al Jazeera

European leaders responded with shock and fury, with German Chancellor Merz saying it is wrong to ease sanctions.

The decision drew immediate and forceful criticism from Europe's top leaders.

The UK joined Germany, France, and Norway in rejecting the move.

Al-Jazeera Net

The pushback exposed deep fissures within the Western alliance.

Trump admitted for the first time that Russia had been assisting Iran.

“US easing of Russia oil sanctions draws criticism The US has loosened sanctions preventing other countries buying Russian oil and petroleum already loaded on vessels at sea to try to ease the energy supply crunch sparked by the US-Israel war with Iran”

BBC

The Treasury was offering a $20 billion marine insurance backing.

Analysts warned it would increase Moscow's war chest by billions.

Despite the move, oil prices did not immediately stabilize.

The Strait of Hormuz blockade was preventing around 10 million barrels from entering the market.

CNN Arabic

The decision renewed contentious internal debates within the US.