Islam Times – Iran’s Oil Ministry has dismissed statements made by US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, who claimed Washington temporarily eased sanctions to permit sales of Iranian crude allegedly stored on vessels at sea.In a strongly worded statement, the ministry described the US remarks as a “psychological ploy” designed to artificially depress global oil prices.
The ministry categorically stated that Iran maintains no crude oil stored on international waters and holds no excess volumes poised for release into global markets.
Saman Ghodousi, spokesperson for the ministry, declared, “Iran currently has no crude oil left on the water and no surplus intended for other international markets,” stressing that the US secretary’s comments sought to sway buyers and distort market sentiment.
Meanwhile, the Trump administration announced a temporary 30-day waiver on sanctions for Iranian oil purchases at sea, ostensibly to counter surging prices fueled by the ongoing US-Israeli aggression against Iran.
Bessent asserted the measure would introduce about 140 million barrels of oil to global markets and alleviate energy supply pressures.
The decision underscores Washington’s anxiety over skyrocketing oil prices—up roughly 50% to exceed $100 a barrel, the highest since 2022—which threaten US businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections, where Republicans aim to hold congressional majorities.
This marks the third such temporary sanctions relief in roughly two weeks, following earlier easings on Russian oil and a general license issued Friday for sales of Iranian crude and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of that date through April 19, per the US Treasury website.
Meanwhile, vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighboring Persian Gulf states has faced repeated attacks amid the US-imposed war, while Iran has effectively secured the Strait of Hormuz—a critical passage for approximately 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas—in legitimate defense of its sovereignty.
Energy analysts, including Brent Erickson, managing principal at Obsidian Risk Advisors, have noted that US attempts to rein in prices remain ineffective until the strait resumes unimpeded navigation, a situation tied to the broader aggression.
The US and Israeli regime initiated a new wave of aerial assaults on Iran on February 28, roughly eight months after launching their initial war of aggression against the Islamic Republic.
Iran has responded decisively and proportionately, launching intense barrages of missiles and drones targeting Israeli-occupied territories as well as US bases and interests across the region.