US Grants Temporary License for Russian Oil Purchases Amid Iran Conflict

In response to the escalating conflict in Iran, the United States has issued a temporary 30-day license permitting countries to purchase Russian oil currently stranded at sea. This move aims to stabilize the global energy market, which has been significantly affected by the ongoing tensions. With oil prices soaring above $100 per barrel due to attacks on tankers and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized that this measure is short-term and will not provide substantial financial benefits to Russia. The situation highlights the unprecedented disruption in oil supply caused by the conflict, prompting the US to release millions of barrels from its strategic reserves.

By Narendra Chaudhary Mar 13, 2026, 07:11 IST

US Issues 30-Day License for Russian Oil Purchases

The United States has authorized a 30-day license allowing nations to acquire Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently stranded at sea. This decision, announced by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, aims to stabilize the global energy market, which has been disrupted by the ongoing conflict in Iran. This announcement follows a surge in oil prices, which have exceeded $100 per barrel due to increased attacks on oil tankers by Iran and the effective closure of the vital Strait of Hormuz.

Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, has indicated that Iran will continue its aggressive stance against Gulf Arab nations, leveraging the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Bessent stated on social media that this measure is "narrowly tailored" and intended for the short term, emphasizing that it will not significantly benefit the Russian government financially. He noted, "@POTUS is taking decisive steps to promote stability in global energy markets and working to keep prices low as we address the threat and instability posed by the terrorist Iranian regime." He further explained that this temporary authorization applies only to oil already in transit and will not provide substantial financial gains to Russia, which primarily earns from taxes at the extraction point.

US Highlights Major Oil Supply Disruption Due to Iran Conflict

Earlier on Thursday, US officials indicated that the ongoing conflict in the Middle East is causing the largest oil supply disruption in history. This announcement coincided with the US Energy Department's decision to release 172 million barrels of oil from the strategic petroleum reserve to combat soaring oil prices resulting from the Iran war. This release is part of a larger initiative by the International Energy Agency, which involves a commitment to release a total of 400 million barrels of oil. Additionally, Trump has hinted at further actions to ease restrictions on sanctioned oil to compensate for the loss of oil supply due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.