U.S. Ends Sanctions Waiver on Iranian Oil, Intensifying Economic Pressure
The United States has decided not to renew a 30-day waiver of sanctions on Iranian oil, which is set to expire this week. This decision is part of a broader strategy to impose a blockade on shipments from Iranian ports. The waiver, initially issued by the Treasury Department on March 20, allowed approximately 140 million barrels of oil to reach global markets, alleviating some pressure on energy supplies during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The Trump administration has consistently applied 'maximum pressure' on Iran, targeting its nuclear program and support for militants in the Middle East. Despite these efforts, sanctioned oil has continued to reach China. The expiration of the waiver marks the end of the administration's controversial approach to using sanctions waivers to stabilize global energy prices, which have surged since the U.S. and Israeli military actions against Iran began. 
