Sanctions in question: Washington will again make concessions to Russia

The Donald Trump administration is preparing to continue easing sanctions on Russian oil this week. A similar decision may be made regarding Iran.

Semafor writes about this with reference to former officials of the US Treasury Department and the State Department.

In March, the Treasury Department allowed the sale of oil that was already under sanctions, setting deadlines of April 11 for Russia and April 19 for Iran. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant explained this as an attempt to stabilize the market and contain prices.

However, experts do not see a significant effect. According to their estimates, the expansion of the circle of buyers allowed Moscow to increase revenues – sometimes up to $ 150 million per day. Iran, in turn, was already actively supplying oil to China.

Former officials expect Washington to extend exemptions for Russian oil and later for Iranian oil, amid high U.S. fuel prices and talks to ease tensions in the Middle East.

Experts note that sanctions are increasingly being used not as a tool of pressure, but as a mechanism for influencing markets. The Trump administration uses them flexibly, depending on the economic situation.

At the same time, critics warn of the risks. They believe that such a policy sends a dangerous signal: countries under sanctions can avoid pressure if they create enough economic problems for the United States.

There is also criticism in Congress, with some lawmakers calling the easing of sanctions a short-term solution that could have negative consequences in the future.

Despite this, the Trump administration continues to use sanctions as a flexible tool alongside tariffs and military solutions.

It was previously reported that Russia is facing a reduction in oil production, as Ukrainian attacks on ports, pipelines, and refineries have significantly reduced the Kremlin’s export capabilities.

Recall that a Russian tanker with oil is heading to the shores of Cuba, and the US authorities are not preventing its passage. US President Donald Trump said that he sees no problems with such supplies.

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