The U.S. is considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil at sea in order to stabilize prices

The U.S. government may authorize the sale of approximately 140 million barrels of Iranian oil, which is currently held up in tankers, in the coming days. 

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained on Fox Business that this move is aimed at keeping global energy prices in check in the short term. While Russia is attempting to destabilize energy markets, Washington plans to use Iran’s stockpiles as leverage during the ongoing military campaign in the Middle East.

According to estimates by the U.S. Treasury Department, the volume of oil at sea is sufficient to meet global demand for a period ranging from 10 days to two weeks. Previously, a significant portion of these reserves was intended for shipment to China, but lifting the restrictions will allow the barrels to enter the broader market. Bessent emphasized that this maneuver effectively uses Iran’s own resources against Tehran’s interests, preventing “black gold” prices from skyrocketing due to geopolitical tensions.

The decision to temporarily ease sanctions pressure is viewed as a tactical tool within the broader U.S. strategy in the region. The administration seeks to minimize economic risks to the global economy while continuing to pressure the Iranian regime through other means. This approach demonstrates the flexibility of U.S. sanctions policy, where energy security and price stability are becoming top priorities for the coming weeks.

The U.S. destroyed Iran’s fortifiedmissile sites near the Strait of Hormuz.

As a reminder, about 20,000 sailors are stranded due to the conflict around the Strait of Hormuz.

Thousands of ships have also come to a standstill near the Strait of Hormuz.