The United States has suspended sanctions on Iranian oil, a significant policy shift that comes after weeks of aggressive measures targeting the country's energy exports.
The move, reported by Handelsblatt and Svenska Dagbladet, marks a departure from the Trump administration's recent strategy of imposing new sanctions on a major Chinese refinery and approximately 40 shipping entities involved in transporting Iranian crude.
This suspension aims to reduce immediate supply risks in global energy markets, which have been volatile due to fears of prolonged disruption.
By lifting restrictions on the oil itself, the US appears to be creating a pathway for de-escalation, even as it maintains pressure on the logistical network supporting Iran's war efforts.
The decision contrasts sharply with earlier actions that sought to cut off Iran's primary revenue source by targeting its shipping fleet and foreign buyers.
The policy change follows a series of sanctions on 11 entities and three individuals across Iran, China, Belarus, and the United Arab Emirates, accused of aiding Iran's military operations.