Trump Keeps Russian Oil Waiver Option Open
US President Donald Trump has indicated that Washington may keep all options open on a temporary Russian oil sanctions waiver as the Iran conflict continues to disrupt global energy supplies and push crude prices higher.
Trump On Russian Oil Waiver
Trump said the United States would do “whatever is necessary” when asked whether his administration would extend relief linked to sanctioned Russian oil. The waiver was introduced after energy markets came under pressure due to disruption around the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes.
The relief, initially set to expire in April, was later extended to May 16 as Washington tried to contain supply pressure and prevent a sharper rise in global crude prices.
Iran War And Oil Prices
Trump said oil prices could fall once the conflict with Iran ends, claiming that several loaded ships are waiting to move oil into global markets. He argued that a fresh supply push could help bring inflation down in the United States.
The US administration has already taken several steps to manage fuel prices, including tapping strategic reserves, encouraging domestic oil production and easing some restrictions linked to oil supplies from Russia, Iran and Venezuela.
Trump Links Inflation To Energy Supply
Trump said inflationary pressure in the US was temporary and linked largely to the ongoing conflict. He claimed that inflation could fall further once oil supplies normalise after the war.
Speaking before his departure for China, Trump also repeated that Iran would not be allowed to obtain a nuclear weapon. His comments come as energy markets, global shipping routes and US foreign policy remain closely tied to the outcome of the Iran conflict.
