By Quds News Network
Tehran (QNN)- The administration of US President Donald Trump moved to ease pressure on global energy markets by temporarily lifting some sanctions on Iranian oil for 30 days. The decision came despite years of failed Iranian efforts to secure sanctions relief through diplomacy.
Iran had long pushed to remove sanctions through negotiations, but those efforts brought little progress. Now, in a shift driven by wartime conditions, Washington allowed limited oil sales without a request from Tehran.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the move, describing Iran as a “central force in global terrorism.” He claimed that Trump’s “Operation Epic Fury” was advancing faster than expected and aimed to counter Iranian influence while stabilizing energy supplies.
The US Department of the Treasury issued a narrowly tailored authorization that permits the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea. Officials stressed that the measure remains temporary and does not allow new production or future purchases.
The policy unlocks an estimated 140 million barrels of oil and injects them into global markets. US officials said the move would increase supply, ease pressure on prices, and reduce the impact of disruptions linked to the US war on Iran.
Bessent said China had been stockpiling sanctioned Iranian oil at discounted prices. By releasing this supply, the United States aims to keeping global prices in check.
Despite the easing, Washington insisted it would maintain its broader “maximum pressure” campaign.
The administration has already worked to add around 440 million barrels of oil to global markets in recent weeks. These efforts seek to offset disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for global energy shipments.
According to the International Energy Agency, oil flows through the strait dropped sharply from about 20 million barrels per day to minimal levels, marking one of the largest supply disruptions in history. The crisis has driven US gasoline prices up by more than 85 cents per gallon since the start of the Israeli war on Iran.
Inside the White House, officials debated whether to release even more oil. Some advisers supported adding up to 100 million barrels, while others warned that excessive releases could weaken US reserves if regional infrastructure faces further attacks.
The US Department of Energy said it has no immediate plans for additional releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve but continues to monitor the situation closely.
Trump’s administration framed the move as part of a broader pro-energy strategy. Officials claimed that record US oil and gas production has strengthened energy security and helped lower long-term costs, even as short-term disruptions continue to affect global markets.
21 March 2026
Source: countercurrents.org