The Trump administration attributed the easing of sanctions against Russia and Iran to requests from other countries
U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the extension of exemptions from oil sanctions against Russia and Iran was approved following requests from a number of “vulnerable” countries. According to him, these countries are being affected by restrictions on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
He made this statement during Senate hearings.
During the hearing before the Budget Committee, Democratic Senator Chris Coons asked the minister why the administration initially refused to extend the relief from oil sanctions against Russia, but then reinstated the exemptions from the restrictions.
"Your Treasury Department lifted sanctions on Russian oil, giving them an additional $150 million in revenue every day. And these funds are not only used to kill Ukrainians, but also to allow Russia to use its profits to support Iran with drones and intelligence to kill our troops… Can you briefly explain why easing sanctions on Iranian and Russian oil is a good idea?” Coons asked Bessent.
In response, the minister acknowledged that Russia had profited from the lifting of sanctions. At the same time, he stated that without this move, global oil prices would have been $150 per barrel instead of $100, so American consumers allegedly benefited from it.
Also, according to Bessent, the U.S. decided to ease sanctions against Russia and Iran again following appeals from 10 countries that have been affected by the global rise in energy prices. He added that Washington had not planned to make such a decision.
"Last week was World Bank and IMF week. And on Wednesday, I was convinced that we wouldn’t do this. I was approached by representatives of more than 10 countries that are the most vulnerable and poorest in terms of energy. And they asked us to extend these sanctions," the official stated.
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