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US issues 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions to counter Hormuz-driven price surge

·Washington D.C., USA

The Trump administration issued a 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions, applying only to sanctioned Russian oil already loaded on vessels at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent called it 'unfortunate' but necessary to counter the Hormuz-driven price surge. Sky News and others headlined this as a 'victory for Putin.' The move effectively benefits Russia economically while the US fights Iran — a strategic paradox driven by the Hormuz closure.

The Trump administration issued a temporary 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions, covering sanctioned Russian oil already loaded on vessels at sea. The measure is a direct response to the Brent crude price surge caused by the Hormuz closure — oil has traded above $100/bbl since the war began despite the IEA's coordinated 400M barrel strategic reserve release. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged the awkward optics: 'It is unfortunate that this could benefit Russia, but this is only for the short term.' Sky News headlined the development as a 'victory for Putin.' The move effectively provides Russia with temporary sanctions relief while the US is engaged in combat operations against Iran — a strategic paradox created by the energy market consequences of the Hormuz shutdown. Witkoff had previously asked Moscow not to share targeting intelligence with Iran. The combination of targeted sanctions relief and diplomatic dependency on Russian energy flows underscores the economic leverage the Iran war is generating for Moscow.

Actor responses

United StatesSUPPORTINGCLAIM

Treasury Secretary Bessent: It is unfortunate this could benefit Russia, but this 30-day waiver is only for the short term and covers Russian oil already loaded on vessels at sea.

RussiaNEUTRALRESPONSE

Russia welcomes the temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil, which will help stabilize energy markets during the current crisis.

IranNEUTRALRESPONSE

Iran notes the US is forced to rely on Russian oil to compensate for the Strait of Hormuz closure — demonstrating the strategic effectiveness of Iran's energy warfare.