US Declines to Extend Temporary Sanctions Waiver on Russian, Iranian Oil Sales

The United States has decided not to extend a temporary waiver that allowed certain countries to continue purchasing oil from Russia and Iran despite sanctions, officials announced. The waiver, which was set to expire on May 2, will not be renewed, signaling a tougher stance against Moscow and Tehran's energy exports.

The decision comes as the Biden administration seeks to ratchet up pressure on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine and on Iran over its nuclear program. By ending the sanctions waivers, the US aims to further restrict the flow of oil revenue to these countries, which have been key targets of American economic penalties.

The temporary waivers had allowed a handful of nations, including China and India, to keep buying Russian and Iranian oil without facing secondary sanctions from the US. This provided an economic lifeline to Moscow and Tehran, which have relied heavily on energy exports. With the waivers now set to lapse, those countries will have to find alternative suppliers or risk facing American sanctions themselves.