Iran has accused the United States of hypocrisy over its changing stance on Russian oil imports, claiming Washington is now urging countries to buy the same crude it had previously tried to block through sanctions.
In a sharp post on X, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi criticised the US government, alleging that it had spent months pressuring India to stop importing Russian oil before reversing its position amid rising global energy prices.
“The US spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia,” Araghchi wrote. “After two weeks of war with Iran, the White House is now begging the world — including India — to buy Russian crude.”
Iran Criticises Europe Over Support for US
Araghchi also criticised European governments, accusing them of backing what he described as an “illegal war” against Iran.
According to the Iranian minister, European nations believed that supporting the US in its conflict with Iran would help them secure stronger backing from Washington in their ongoing tensions with Russia.
“Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic,” he said in the same post.
US Issues Temporary Waiver on Russian Oil
The remarks came after the administration of Donald Trump announced a 30-day waiver allowing certain Russian oil cargoes stranded at sea to be purchased and delivered.
According to the US Department of the Treasury, the temporary licence permits the delivery and sale of Russian crude oil and petroleum products that had already been loaded onto ships as of March 12.
The authorisation will remain valid until April 11, Washington time.
Officials said the waiver was issued to help stabilise global energy markets after crude oil prices surged beyond $100 per barrel following escalating tensions in West Asia.
Strait of Hormuz Crisis Pushes Oil Prices Higher
Oil markets have been under pressure after Iran moved to close the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route through which a significant share of the world’s oil passes.
The disruption has increased concerns about global supply shortages and has driven up crude prices in international markets.
Earlier this month, the US had also issued a similar 30-day waiver on March 5, allowing India to import Russian oil cargoes that were stranded at sea.
The move provided temporary relief for importers trying to secure supplies during the ongoing crisis.
India-Iran Diplomatic Talks Continue
Amid the escalating situation, Iran has reportedly allowed Indian-flagged vessels safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz even as restrictions remain on many international ships.
An LPG tanker heading to India successfully crossed the strait on Friday, signalling some level of coordination between the two countries.
The development follows recent diplomatic engagements between S. Jaishankar, India’s External Affairs Minister, and Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi also held a phone conversation with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on Thursday to review the rapidly evolving situation in West Asia.
With global energy markets already under strain, analysts say the geopolitical tensions and shifting oil policies could have long-term implications for international energy security.
