Iran Slams US ‘Double Standards’ on Russian Oil as War Drives Global Energy Turmoil
Iran sharply criticised Washington’s changing position on Russian energy supplies on Saturday, with Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accusing the United States of adopting a contradictory approach toward Moscow’s crude exports.
In a strongly worded message posted on X, Araghchi alleged that Washington had earlier spent months exerting heavy diplomatic pressure on India and other countries to halt purchases of Russian oil following the outbreak of the Russia–Ukraine War.
However, according to the Iranian minister, the situation has now dramatically reversed after two weeks of escalating hostilities between Iran and the United States, along with Israel.
“The United States spent months pressuring India to reduce or completely stop importing Russian crude,” Araghchi wrote. “Now, barely two weeks into the confrontation with Iran, the same administration is appealing to the international community—including India—to continue purchasing Russian oil.”
His remarks followed Washington’s recent decision to provide New Delhi with a temporary 30-day exemption allowing continued imports of Russian crude despite sanctions connected to the Ukraine conflict.
Iran Criticises Europe’s Role
Araghchi also aimed at European governments, accusing them of supporting what he described as an “unlawful military campaign” against Iran.
He claimed several European capitals appeared to believe that backing the US-led offensive would strengthen their political alignment with Washington in confronting Russia.
The Iranian diplomat further described the current approach of the Trump administration toward global Russian oil purchases as “deeply inconsistent and embarrassing.”
War Triggered by Nuclear Dispute
The ongoing conflict erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched coordinated air and missile strikes against Iranian targets following rising tensions over Tehran’s nuclear activities.
The attacks came after weeks of mounting pressure from President Trump, urging Iran to accept a revised nuclear agreement that Washington argued would impose stricter limits on Tehran’s atomic programme.
Iran responded with retaliatory actions that quickly widened the confrontation across the Gulf region, raising alarm about the safety of shipping routes and the stability of global energy supplies.
Washington Considers Emergency Shipping Measures
With oil markets experiencing sharp fluctuations, the White House is now examining extraordinary steps to stabilise domestic supply chains.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that officials are reviewing the possibility of temporarily suspending provisions of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920 (Jones Act), which normally restricts cargo transportation between American ports to vessels registered in the United States.
According to Leavitt, a limited waiver is being considered in order to ensure that essential fuel shipments and agricultural commodities continue reaching American ports during the crisis.
“In the interest of national security, the administration is evaluating whether a temporary suspension of the Jones Act may be necessary so that critical energy resources and key supplies can move freely across US ports,” she said, emphasising that no final decision has yet been taken.
Oil Prices Surge Amid Hormuz Fears
International energy markets have remained highly unstable since the fighting began. Prices climbed further after Iran threatened to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, a narrow maritime corridor responsible for transporting nearly 20 percent of the world’s oil and gas shipments.
Amid concerns over possible supply disruptions, benchmark Brent Crude has stayed above $100 per barrel, while West Texas Intermediate prices have also climbed close to the same level, reflecting mounting anxiety across global energy markets.
Analysts warn that any prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz could trigger a major shock to international oil supply chains and intensify the economic fallout of the conflict.
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