The United States extends a sanctions waiver on Russian seaborne oil for 30 days to help ease pressure on global energy supplies amid disruptions linked to the war involving Iran and instability around the Strait of Hormuz. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announces the measure as a “temporary 30-day general license,” which allows countries to buy Russian oil and related petroleum products that are already at sea on tankers without violating severe U.S. sanctions that would otherwise restrict such purchases.
Multiple outlets report the extension follows a previous waiver period that had lapsed and is aimed at “energy-vulnerable” or “most vulnerable” nations that face difficulties obtaining alternative oil shipments, particularly as Gulf supply flows are squeezed by the conflict-related disruptions. Bessent says the general license is intended to provide additional flexibility and help stabilise the physical crude market, and that the Treasury would work with affected countries on any specific licenses needed.
The waiver is also described as part of a broader policy shift that had previously indicated sanctions on Russian oil would resume, with the latest action representing a continued willingness to provide temporary relief while supply conditions remain constrained.
