Iran has publicly criticised the United States for what it calls blatant hypocrisy in global oil politics, just over two weeks into its conflict with Tehran. Iranian Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi accused Washington of first pressuring India to halt Russian oil imports, and now reversing course by urging nations, including India, to purchase Russian crude.
“The US spent months bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, the White House is now begging the world, including India, to buy Russian crude,” Araghchi wrote on X, highlighting what he described as the contradictions in US foreign policy.
Europe’s Support Questioned
Araghchi did not spare European nations, criticising them for backing what he called an “illegal war” against Iran. “Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic,” he wrote, signalling growing diplomatic rifts between Tehran and Western allies amidst global energy volatility.
His remarks were shared alongside a Financial Times report showing that surging oil prices are providing Russia with a significant financial boost. The timing of these statements coincides with recent shifts in US policy that have attracted international attention.
Temporary Waiver on Russian Oil Imports
The Trump administration recently issued a 30-day waiver permitting certain countries to import Russian oil despite existing sanctions. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent acknowledged that India had complied with US requests to halt purchases of sanctioned Russian crude and noted that the waiver now allows Indian refiners to access stranded Russian cargoes. Further allowances could be considered if global supply pressures continue.
“The Indians had been very good actors. We had asked them to stop buying sanctioned Russian oil this fall. They did,” Bessent said, underscoring the delicate balance Washington seeks between sanction enforcement and global market stability. Benchmark crude prices recently surged past $100 per barrel, intensified by supply disruptions from the war and Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil shipping route.
India-Iran Energy Ties Remain Steady
Amidst the tensions, Iran reassured India of safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian Ambassador to India Mohammad Fathali emphasised the enduring friendship and shared interests between the two nations. “Yes. Because India and I are friends, you can see the future… we believe that Iran and India are friends. We have common interests; we have a common fate,” he said, signalling Tehran’s commitment to uninterrupted energy trade with New Delhi.
The developments underline the fragility of global energy diplomacy. Iran’s callout of US policy contradictions and Europe’s miscalculations shows how wartime disruptions, sanctions, and waivers are reshaping the international oil market.
