US Secretary of Treasury Scott Besant said on Friday that Washington temporarily eased sanctions to allow Tehran to sell crude “it has stored on the water.”
In a statement responding to a “psychological ploy,” the ministry said Iran has no crude oil stored at sea and no excess volumes awaiting release into international markets, Press TV reported.
Spokesperson for the Iranian Oil Ministry Saman Ghodousi said that Iran currently has no crude oil left on the water and no surplus intended for other international markets, adding that the US secretary’s remarks were aimed at encouraging buyers and influencing market sentiment.
The Trump administration waived sanctions on Iranian oil purchases at sea for 30 days to ease surging oil prices driven by the US-Israeli war on Iran.
Bessent said the waiver would bring about 140m barrels of oil to global markets and help relieve pressure on energy supply.
The move reflects White House concern that soaring oil prices – up about 50% to more than $100 a barrel, the highest since 2022 – will hurt US businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections, when Republicans hope to retain control of Congress.
It is the third time the US has temporarily waived sanctions in about two weeks.
It had previously eased sanctions on Russian oil, and on Friday issued a general license allowing the sale of Iranian crude oil and petroleum products loaded on vessels as of Friday to 19 April, according to the license posted to the US treasury website.
Vital energy infrastructure in Iran and neighboring Persian Gulf states has been attacked, and Iran has effectively closed the strait of Hormuz, a conduit for about 20% of the world’s oil and liquefied natural gas.
MNA
