Turmoil promises: Resume sanctions on Russian oil after stable oil prices
On March 14, Trump stated that the United States would resume sanctions related to oil after oil prices stabilize.
"I promise that when the price fluctuations caused by military actions against Iran stabilize, I will resume sanctions on Russian oil."
He added that he did not want a shortage of oil in the United States and around the world.
The essence of Trump's attitude change is a dual pragmatic game between domestic politics (elections first) and international politics (maintaining allies): using "short-term oil price stability" as an excuse to temporarily loosen sanctions on Russian oil, while using "future restoration" to lock in a tough stance on Russia. The core is to find a balance between the Middle East energy crisis, domestic inflation pressure, and political correctness towards Russia.
Domestically, continued rising oil prices would directly trigger U.S. inflation and hit voters' wallets. Internationally, allies such as India and Japan heavily rely on Middle Eastern crude oil. The U.S. move from "individual exemption for India" to "comprehensive release for global buyers" is precisely to stabilize its allies. However, in Europe, easing sanctions on Russian oil has been publicly criticized as a "wrong decision," with concerns that it would provide war funding for Russia.
The so-called "resume after oil prices stabilize" lacks clear timeframes and implementation details, essentially a political statement. If the situation in the Middle East remains turbulent, the U.S. can continue to extend the exemption; if oil prices fall, it may also delay the resumption by citing "unstable prices," showing great flexibility.
Original: toutiao.com/article/1859703353923724/
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