The decision reflects growing concern within the White House that rising fuel costs could hurt American businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections..reports Asian Lite News
The Trump administration has issued a 30 day waiver allowing the purchase of Iranian oil at sea, in a move aimed at easing surging global energy prices triggered by the ongoing US and Israeli conflict with Iran, according to a report by Arab News.
The waiver, announced on Friday, is expected to release around 140 million barrels of oil into global markets. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the step would help reduce pressure on energy supplies, as oil prices have climbed sharply during nearly three weeks of military escalation.
Arab News reported that the decision reflects growing concern within the White House that rising fuel costs could hurt American businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections, where Republicans are seeking to retain control of Congress.
The licence, published by the US Treasury, permits Iranian oil to be imported when necessary to complete sales or deliveries. However, it remains unclear whether any of this oil will actually reach the United States, which has largely avoided Iranian imports since sanctions were reimposed following the 1979 revolution. The waiver excludes regions such as Cuba, North Korea and Crimea, and will remain in effect until April 19.
The move is likely to benefit Asian markets, which are among the largest consumers of Middle Eastern oil. Energy Secretary Chris Wright indicated that supplies could reach Asia within days and enter circulation after refining over the coming weeks. Arab News noted that independent Chinese refiners have continued to buy discounted Iranian crude, while countries such as India, Japan and South Korea were major importers before sanctions returned in 2018.
This marks the third sanctions waiver issued by Washington in just over two weeks, as oil prices have surged above 100 dollars per barrel. The US has also eased restrictions on Russian oil and adjusted domestic shipping rules in an effort to stabilise supply.
Despite these measures, analysts cited by Arab News warn that the impact may be limited, particularly while the Strait of Hormuz remains disrupted. Some experts argue that loosening sanctions on a country involved in active conflict signals that Washington may be running out of options.
Meanwhile, the Pentagon has formulated comprehensive strategies for the potential deployment of United States ground troops into Iran, according to various sources informed on the matter who spoke with CBS News.
High-level military commanders have reportedly put forward specific requests to ensure readiness as US President Donald Trump considers further actions within the ongoing conflict involving the United States and Israel.
While Trump has been examining the possibility of stationing ground forces in the Middle East, CBS News reported that he has yet to define the exact conditions under which he would approve their use. The deliberations have been held under anonymity as those involved were not permitted to discuss the sensitive planning publicly.
When questioned about the possibility of a ground presence in the Oval Office on Thursday, Trump told reporters, “No, I’m not putting troops anywhere,” but added, “If I were, I certainly wouldn’t tell you.”
Responding to inquiries, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Pentagon’s role is to ensure the Commander-in-Chief has “maximum optionality” in any crisis. She added that such preparations do not indicate a final decision, noting that “as the President said in the Oval Office yesterday, he is not planning to send ground troops anywhere at this time.”
CBS News reported that the military has also convened sessions to address the logistics of capturing and detaining Iranian personnel and paramilitary members in the event of an invasion. These discussions include specific locations where detainees would be processed and held.
The United States is currently readying components of the 82nd Airborne Division for possible deployment to the region. This includes the Marine Corps’ Marine Expeditionary Unit and the Army’s Global Response Force.
According to CBS News, thousands of Marines are already in transit toward the Middle East. Three naval vessels carrying approximately 2,200 Marines recently departed California, marking the second such unit dispatched since the onset of the conflict. A previous unit, redirected from the Pacific, is still en route to the region.
These movements indicate the Pentagon’s effort to expand military options available to the President, with assets being repositioned to maintain a high state of readiness amid the ongoing conflict.
