US to Let Iranian Oil Waiver Expire
- The Trump administration will allow the 30-day waiver on sanctions for Iranian oil at sea to expire on April 19, removing a temporary measure that had helped some oil reach global markets during the war. Reuters reported that the waiver, issued on March 20, allowed roughly 140 million barrels to move and had eased some pressure on energy supply, but Washington is now tightening again as it imposes a blockade on shipments from Iranian ports.
- The move reflects a broader shift back toward tougher enforcement. According to Reuters, US officials said Washington can still use a range of tools against buyers of Iranian oil, including secondary sanctions, and that any activity involving Tehran could face additional pressure as sanctions tighten further. The market implication is straightforward: another source of temporary relief is being removed at a time when Hormuz flows are already under strain, which keeps risks tilted toward a tighter oil market and higher energy prices.