Iran criticized the United States for hypocrisy regarding Russian oil sales, claiming that the US was now urging countries to buy the same oil it had previously tried to block through sanctions. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi accused the US of pressuring India to stop importing Russian oil but changing its stance due to tensions with Iran disrupting global energy markets. Araghchi also criticized European governments for supporting what he called an “illegal war” against Iran in hopes of gaining stronger US support in their conflict with Russia.
The Iranian foreign minister’s comments were made in response to a report by the Financial Times highlighting the surge in global oil prices benefiting Russia. The Trump administration recently granted a 30-day waiver allowing countries to purchase specific Russian oil shipments stranded at sea to stabilize energy markets amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. This move followed a previous waiver allowing India to buy Russian oil during the crisis.
Amid the turmoil, Iran permitted safe passage for Indian-flagged vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, despite global shipping restrictions. This decision came after diplomatic talks between Indian and Iranian officials, including conversations between the respective foreign ministers and a discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to address the evolving situation in the West Asia region.
