Trending Now - US Maintains Russian Oil Sanction Waiver to Alleviate Iran Crisis

WHO:

AP News - U.S. Treasury Department, Secretary Scott Bessent

WHAT:

AP News - The U.S. Treasury Department extended its pause on sanctions on Russian oil shipments.

AP News - The extension of the general license means U.S. sanctions will not apply for 30 days on deliveries of Russian oil loaded on tankers as of April 15th, 2026.

AP News - The extension follows a similar 30-day license issued in March 2026 for Russian oil loaded by March 11th, 2026.

WHERE:

AP News - Washington, D.C.

WHEN:

AP News - The extension was announced on Friday, April 15th, 2026.

AP News - Secretary Scott Bessent made his statement on Wednesday, April 12th, 2026.

WHY:

AP News - The extension aims to ease shortages resulting from the Iran war.

AP News - The fallout from the Iran war has increased Moscow’s ability to profit from its energy exports.

HOW:

AP News - The general license allows for the continued shipment of Russian oil under specific conditions, despite previous statements from Secretary Bessent ruling out such extensions.

(UPDATED April 18, 2026 11:11 UTC)

The U.S. Treasury Department has extended its pause on sanctions regarding Russian oil shipments, allowing deliveries loaded on tankers as of on Wednesday, to continue without U.S. sanctions for the next 30 days. This decision, announced on Wednesday, follows a similar extension issued in March for oil loaded by March 11th, and aims to alleviate shortages stemming from the ongoing conflict in Iran. Secretary Scott Bessent, who previously indicated that such extensions would not occur, has now confirmed that the general license permits these shipments under specific conditions.