The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions against Russia due to the situation with Iran. What the media is writing

The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions on Russian oil trade. Thus, Washington is trying to reduce the tension in the markets due to the crisis that arose after the outbreak of the war with Iran. The disruption of energy supplies through the Strait of Hormuz has already led to a loss of $15 billion for the Persian Gulf countries. What the media write about the state of the oil market is in the Izvestia digest.

Reuters: The United States granted a 30-day lifting of sanctions on the purchase of Russian oil

The United States has granted countries a 30-day permit to purchase sanctioned Russian oil and petroleum products that are currently at sea. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said it was a step toward stabilizing global energy markets shaken by the war with Iran. On the morning of March 13, oil prices in Asia declined after the US announced a delay.

According to the text of the license, it permits the supply and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products loaded onto ships starting on March 12 and valid until midnight Washington time on April 11. The move reflects the White House's fears that a sharp rise in oil prices after nearly two weeks of U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran will harm American businesses and consumers ahead of the midterm elections in November, when Trump's Republican party members hope to retain control of Congress.

Financial Times: the Gulf states lost $15 billion from the sale of energy resources

Since the beginning of the American and Israeli strikes on Iran, oil producers in the Persian Gulf have lost about $15.1 billion in energy revenues. Millions of barrels of oil are trapped due to the almost complete closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Typically, crude oil, refined products, and liquefied natural gas worth about $1.2 billion are transported through the strait daily, based on average prices and volumes in 2025.

Saudi Arabia, the largest oil exporter, suffered the biggest losses. Since the beginning of the war, the kingdom has lost $4.5 billion, although in the coming days it plans to significantly increase exports through the Red Sea. In total, ships with cargoes worth at least $10.7 billion are stuck in the Strait of Hormuz. They are loaded, but they cannot reach their destinations. Some of the cargo has already been sold under long-term contracts concluded before the start of the war, which means that they can still make a profit, depending on the payment terms, which usually range from 15 to 30 days after loading.

The New York Times: more than 16 cargo ships and tankers were damaged in the Strait of Hormuz

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war against Iran, there have been at least 16 attacks on oil tankers, cargo ships and other commercial vessels in the Persian Gulf. Iran has claimed responsibility for several attacks. On March 12, two Iraqi tankers caught fire at sea, one of the latest clear examples of how attacks are increasingly focusing on oil and energy infrastructure as the war expands.

Before the war, about 80 oil and gas tankers usually passed through the strait. Currently, only one or two vessels cross the water border every day. The International Energy Agency warned that the war had caused "the largest supply disruption in the history of the global oil market." Countries with large economies, including the United States, have promised to release emergency reserves to compensate for the deficit. But as the number of attacks increases, so do concerns.

Whether it will happen again: Iran has threatened oil for $200

How likely is such a course of events and what consequences can it lead to?

Bloomberg: Oil price growth is weakening, stock market decline has slowed

The fall in global stock markets has eased as oil prices have stabilized after a period of volatility, although investors remain wary of the risks associated with the war in Iran. The MSCI All Country World index, one of the broadest indicators of the global stock market, fell 0.3% after falling 1.5% in the previous session. U.S. stock futures fell 0.1% after the S&P 500 index dropped to its lowest level since November, while European contracts lost 0.3%. Brent crude oil rose slightly, trading around $100 per barrel after rising 9.2% on Thursday.

Separately, the Trump administration plans to repeal a century-old maritime law requiring the use of American ships to transport goods between U.S. ports. This follows an earlier step to release 172 million barrels from the U.S. oil reserve as part of a coordinated effort by Western countries. Ahead of the weekend, concerns persisted that a potential escalation of conflict in the Middle East would further limit energy supplies.