Trump explained the "oil thaw": sanctions against Russia will be reinstated once the Middle East calms down
Donald Trump stated in an interview with NBC News that the temporary easing of sanctions on Russian oil is a forced step to stabilize world prices. Washington allowed the trade of Russian energy carriers loaded onto ships until March 12, but this relaxation is only valid until April 11.
Donald Trump. Photo: Chip Somodevilla / Getty Images
The sharp rise in oil prices occurred due to the US military operation against Iran. To avoid an energy crisis and shock prices at gas stations, the White House decided to temporarily "allow" Russian exports.
Trump emphasized that sanctions pressure will be fully restored as soon as the situation in the Middle East normalizes.
However, these relaxations do not apply to transactions related to Iran itself or goods of Iranian origin.
Trump also stated that he is not ready to conclude an agreement on ending the war with Iran, "because the terms are not good enough yet," but refused to specify what those terms would be. "Iran wants to make a deal, and I don't want to make it, because the terms are not good enough yet," he said.