US EditionTrump Administration's Sanction Waiver: A Strategic Tactic to Stabilize Oil Prices
The waiver allows about 140 million barrels of Iranian oil held by China to enter global markets, easing supply pressures amid ongoing Middle East conflict, the U.S. Treasury said.
- On Friday, March 20, 2026, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent issued a 30-day sanctions waiver allowing sale of Iranian oil loaded at sea until April 19.
- Amid the U.S.-Israeli war on Iran, officials said attacks since February 28 have choked off oil supplies and pushed food and fuel prices higher, worsening strain on global oil markets.
- Bessent said in a statement on X that by unlocking supply hoarded by China, the US will quickly bring approximately 140 million barrels of oil to global markets, easing Iran-related supply pressures.
- Treasury emphasised the pause is limited in scope, noting this was the third temporary waiver in about two weeks.
- Iran threatened to expand retaliatory attacks while the U.S. sent more warships and Marines, underscoring risks; Bessent said it is to 'be using the Iranian barrels against Tehran' as part of Operation Epic Fury.
24 Articles
24 Articles
This decision will allow some 140 million barrels to be added to the oil market
U.S. allows 30-day sale of Iranian oil in bid to tame energy prices
The U.S. has not meaningfully imported Iranian oil since Washington imposed measures after the 1979 revolution. It was unclear whether any Iranian oil would end up in the country as a result of the waiver
The United States will contribute 140 million barrels of Iranian crude to the global market, a figure that will be decisive to increase energy supply and counter the hoarding of large buyers.
This frees up roughly one and a half daily doses of global consumption.
President Donald Trump's administration announced a new temporary easing of sanctions that will allow the sale of Iranian oil stored at sea for a limited period of 30 days, in an attempt to stabilize global energy supply amid the conflict with Iran.Read more
Trump Administration's Sanction Waiver: A Strategic Tactic to Stabilize Oil Prices
Trump Administration's Sanction Waiver: A Strategic Tactic to Stabilize Oil Prices The Trump administration has temporarily waived sanctions on the purchase of Iranian oil at sea for 30 days, aiming to stabilize surging oil prices amid the ongoing U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran. This strategic move is expected to inject approximately 140 million barrels into global markets, alleviating pressure on energy supplies.The decision comes in the wake …
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