US extends waiver on Russian oil sanctions to ease Iran war shortages despite Bessent denial
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent speaks at a roundtable event with President Donald Trump about no tax on tips, Thursday, April 16, 2026, in Las Vegas. Credit: AP/Lucas Peltier
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Treasury Department on Friday extended its pause on sanctions on Russian oil shipments to ease shortages from the Iran war, days after Secretary Scott Bessent ruled out such a move.
The so-called general license means U.S. sanctions will not apply for 30 days on deliveries of Russian oil that has been loaded on tankers as of Friday. It extended a similar 30-day license issued in March for Russian oil that had been loaded by March 11. The extension underscores how the fallout from the Iran war has boosted Moscow’s ability to profit from its energy exports, which had been restrained since the invasion of Ukraine.
Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Bessent ruled out extending the license. “We will not be renewing the general license on Russian oil, and we will not be renewing the general license on Iranian oil,” he said. The administration did not immediately explain the reversal.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 30: Baseball, All-Long Island and Plays of the Week! On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg stops by Kings Park to check out their pitching staff and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 30: Baseball, All-Long Island and Plays of the Week! On the latest episode of "Sarra Sounds Off," Gregg stops by Kings Park to check out their pitching staff and Jared Valluzzi has the plays of the week.
