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U.S. grants 30-day waiver on sanctions for Russian oil already loaded on tankers amid Iran-war-driven price surge

First covered Friday, March 13, 2026International AffairsWell-covered

The Facts

  • The U.S. announced a 30-day waiver under which sanctions will not apply to deliveries of Russian oil that was already loaded on tankers at the time of the announcement.
  • U.S. officials framed the waiver as a response to sharply higher oil prices and energy-market disruption linked to the Iran war.
  • European leaders publicly criticized the U.S. decision to ease some Russian oil sanctions.
  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy criticized the U.S. waiver and said it would strengthen Russia’s position by increasing resources available for its war effort.
  • Analysts quoted in coverage said the sanctions waiver is unlikely to make a meaningful difference to the global oil supply shock because Russia has been able to transport and sell oil despite restrictions.
  • The waiver has contributed to political friction between the U.S. and European allies over how to handle Russia while the Middle East conflict affects energy markets.

Context

What exactly did the U.S. sanctions waiver change?

The waiver temporarily (for 30 days) allows deliveries of Russian oil that had already been loaded on tankers to proceed without triggering U.S. sanctions, according to statements attributed to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. U.S. News & World R…

Why did the U.S. say it took this step now?

Reporting describes the move as intended to calm energy markets and address supply concerns as the Iran war disrupts Middle Eastern oil and gas flows and drives crude prices higher. U.S. News & World R… NYT

Do analysts expect the waiver to significantly lower oil prices?

Analysts cited in coverage said the waiver is unlikely to substantially ease the supply shock because Russia has continued exporting oil for years despite sanctions, limiting how much additional supply the change would unlock. NYT NYT

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The receipts — all 100 sources

Wire services (3)

APCapital FM KenyaUS easing of Russia oil sanctions draws criticism
APgCaptainEuropean Allies Riled as US Loosens Russia Oil Sanctions
APYahoo! FinanceZelenskyy says US 30-day waiver on Russian oil sanctions is ...

Independent coverage (50)

Northwest Arkansas Democrat GazetteZelenskyy says US waiver on oil sanctions benefits Russia | ...
mintWar triggers growing rift in Trans-Atlantic alliance over Ru...
Daily Post NigeriaOil price: Russia boasts as European leaders kick against Tr...
The AgePutin is making the most of the US-Iran war as energy shock ...
The New York TimesIran War Live Updates: U.S. Says It Bombed Key Iranian Islan...
The Manila timesUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
AsiaOneAsiaOne
Daily SunUS eases sanctions on Russian oil to ease energy prices
Critical ThreatsRussian Offensive Campaign Assessment, March 13, 2026
cnbctv18.comUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
MyJoyOnline.comWhy has Trump eased sanctions on Russian oil - and will it h...
Eurasia ReviewEurope Chides US For Lifting Russian Oil Sanctions
WRALUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
Idaho State JournalUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
Gulf Daily News OnlineUS allies miffed at Trump's waiver on Russian energy
GEO TVNATO urges Trump to reconsider Russian oil sanctions waiver
Hellenic Shipping NewsUS eases Russia oil sanctions as Iran war pushes up energy p...
InquirerUS eases oil sanctions on Russia amid global crunch
SpaceWarDemocrats accuse Trump of aiding Russia with sanctions relie...
Modern Ghana Media Communication Ltd.Russia's Role in Stabilizing the World Energy Market
R7 NotíciasAnálise: guerra da Ucrânia 'pode escorregar para um segundo ...
Weekly VoiceCanada Will Keep Russia Sanctions Despite U.S. Pause on Russ...
Investment ExecutiveU.S. eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay ...
Radio CanadaAs Trump pauses Russian shadow fleet sanctions, Carney says ...
Euronews EnglishNATO leaders call on Trump to reverse Russian oil sanctions ...
The IndependentOil prices hit $103 per barrel despite US easing some Russia...
Yahoo NewsDemocrats accuse Trump of aiding Russia with sanctions relie...
RTL TodayDemocrats accuse Trump of aiding Russia with sanctions relie...
NewsMaxEuropean Leaders Slam Easing of Russian Oil Sanctions
The Wall Street JournalWar Triggers Growing Rift in Trans-Atlantic Alliance Over Ru...
RTHow Russia's crisis diplomacy lifted sanctions and infuriate...
thespec.comMark Carney rejects Trump administration move to ease sancti...
The Irish TimesUS easing sanctions on Russian oil draws criticism from Ukra...
The Hill'Wrong move': Grassley criticizes Trump lifting sanctions on...
100 Percent Fed UpSanctions On Russian Oil "Stranded At Sea" Temporarily Lifte...
Access WDUNUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
The HillZelensky, Merz speak out against US easing Russia oil sancti...
The StarMark Carney rejects Trump administration move to ease sancti...
Diario de PernambucoConselho Europeu critica suspensão de sanções dos EUA ao pet...
NewsweekMore evidence China is helping Russia's war machine
PBS.orgU.S. eases some sanctions on Russian oil, but crude prices r...
Daily SabahUS eases some sanctions on Russian oil amid supply concerns
Último SegundoEuropeus criticam EUA por aliviar sanções a petróleo russo
RadioFreeEurope/RadioLibertyUkraine Warns US Easing Of Russian Oil Sanctions Will Boost ...
Jornal de BrasíliaLíderes europeus criticam EUA por suspender sanções contra p...
WTVA 9 TupeloUS eases some Russian oil sanctions but crude prices stay hi...
Deutsche WelleEuropeus criticam EUA por aliviar sanções a petróleo russo
CBC NewsAs Trump pauses Russian shadow fleet sanctions, Carney says ...
YahooAs Trump pauses Russian shadow fleet sanctions, Carney says ...
Istoe dinheiroEuropeus criticam EUA por aliviar sanções a petróleo russo

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