The Trump administration temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil “stranded at sea” Thursday in an effort to contain skyrocketing energy prices due to Iranian threats against tanker ships.

The United States did not extend a sanctions exemption that had allowed the sale of some Russian oil, stepping back from a contentious plan to try and contain global crude prices that was also providing an economic windfall to Moscow.

The Trump administration has not extended the temporary US sanctions waiver that allowed the legal sale of Russian oil and petroleum products loaded on ships until March 12, Bloomberg reports. The measure expired on April 11.

Oil prices spiked above $100 a barrel amid the ongoing Iran conflict and supply disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. On Friday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced a temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian oil,

The U.S. is temporarily removing sanctions on Russian oil currently stranded at sea, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced late Thursday — the latest move by the Trump administration attempting to ease soaring energy prices amid the war with Iran.

Trump's announcement raises questions about U.S. plans to waive sanctions on Russian oil, after the temporary waiver officially expired April 11.

The Trump administration is lifting sanctions on Russian oil to counter Iran’s stranglehold on Middle Eastern energy. The U.

EADaily, April 15th, 2026. On April 11, the term of the US license to exclude oil supplies from Russia from under sanctions. Since then, Washington has not made official statements, but it has not extended the temporary lifting of restrictions.