US President hints some sanctions on Russia could be lifted permanently
Donald Trump, President of the US (photo: Getty Images)
The head of the White House, Donald Trump, suggested the possibility that some sanctions against the Russian Federation related to oil could be lifted on a permanent basis, according to a White House broadcast.
Initially, Trump said that oil sanctions against some countries, apparently meaning Russia, are being lifted until the price situation stabilizes. However, he then added that the restrictions may not have to be imposed again.
"We're also waving certain oil related sanctions to reduce prices. So we have sanctions on some countries. We're going to take those sanctions off till this straightens out," the American leader said initially.
However, in the next sentence, he suggested that the restrictions might not be reinstated.
"Then who knows, maybe we won't have to put them on," Trump stated.
The head of the White House also suggested that the US Navy, together with partners, would escort oil tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has currently blocked.
"But when the time comes, the US Navy and its partners will escort tankers through the straight. If needed, I hope it's not going to be needed, but if it's needed, we'll escort them right through," Trump concluded.
Oil prices and sanctions
Against the backdrop of the war in Iran, global oil prices have risen significantly. The new prices are justified by two factors: Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz to secure the region, and the Gulf countries' inability to export oil due to their involvement in the conflict.
Some analysts have argued that the oil situation could benefit Russia, which has the capacity for large-scale exports blocked by sanctions. As is known, Moscow has been supplying energy resources to only a few countries: China, India, Hungary, Slovakia, and a few others, losing opportunities for large-scale exports due to sanctions.
The US has decided to lift some sanctions against Russia related to oil, citing the need to stabilize global energy prices. Donald Trump already publicly announced this intention on March 9.
