US Approves Sale of Stranded Iranian Oil to Curb Rising Global Energy Prices

The administration of Donald Trump has approved a temporary measure allowing the sale of Iranian oil stranded at sea, as part of efforts to ease soaring global energy prices triggered by escalating tensions in the Middle East.

The authorization, announced by U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, permits the release of an estimated 140 million barrels of Iranian crude oil already in transit or held in floating storage.

Describing the move as a “narrowly tailored short-term authorisation,” Bessent stressed that it applies only to existing shipments and does not allow new oil purchases or increased production from Iran.

“The authorisation permits the sale of Iranian oil currently stranded at sea,” he said, adding that the strategy is designed to stabilise markets without weakening broader sanctions.

Global oil markets have been rattled by supply disruptions linked to the ongoing Middle East conflict, particularly around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping route for global crude exports.

Benchmark Brent crude oil surged to about $112 per barrel, while fuel prices climbed sharply in major economies, increasing inflationary pressure and raising concerns about economic stability. By unlocking stranded Iranian crude, the U.S. aims to boost global oil supply and provide immediate relief to volatile energy markets.

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Officials emphasised that U.S. sanctions on Iran remain fully in place, with measures designed to restrict Tehran’s ability to access proceeds from the oil sales. Bessent noted that Iran would face significant hurdles in accessing any revenue generated, reaffirming Washington’s commitment to maintaining maximum economic pressure. The policy has been framed as a strategic move to use available Iranian oil to counter price spikes without benefiting Iran financially.

White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the administration carefully evaluated multiple options before acting to address short-term supply challenges. Energy analyst Neelesh Nerurkar described the disruption as one of the most severe in recent history, warning that the scale of lost supply may limit the effectiveness of current interventions.

“The shortfall is so large that the measures available are dwarfed by the amount of oil not reaching the market,” he said.

The move forms part of a broader U.S. strategy to stabilise global oil markets, including releases from the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, temporary easing of restrictions on select oil suppliers, and efforts to keep key maritime routes open.

While President Trump has expressed optimism that oil prices will decline once the conflict subsides, analysts warn that continued instability could sustain volatility in the near term.

The decision underscores the delicate balance between geopolitical strategy and economic necessity, as the U.S. navigates efforts to control inflation and maintain pressure on Iran. Experts caution that while the release of stranded oil may deliver short-term price relief, long-term stability will depend on resolving regional tensions and ensuring uninterrupted oil supply chains.

US Approves Sale of Stranded Iranian Oil to Curb Rising Global Energy Prices

Netanyahu Clarifies Jesus Remarks, Denies Offending Christians Amid Backlash

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated that his recent comments referencing Jesus Christ were not intended to offend Christians, following widespread criticism sparked by his remarks during a press briefing on the ongoing Middle East conflict involving Iran.

The controversy arose after Netanyahu, while addressing foreign media, cited a historical comparison attributed to American historian Will Durant, suggesting that moral superiority alone may not guarantee survival in a world shaped by power and conflict. His comments, which included a reference comparing Jesus Christ to Genghis Khan, triggered backlash from Christian communities and social media users who viewed the statement as insensitive.

In a follow-up clarification posted on X (formerly Twitter), Netanyahu dismissed the criticism as misinterpretation and “fake news,” insisting that he did not denigrate Jesus Christ in his remarks.

“More fake news about my attitude towards Christians, who are protected and flourish in Israel. Let me be clear: I did not denigrate Jesus Christ at my news conference,” he stated.

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Netanyahu explained that his comments were drawn from the writings of Will Durant, whom he described as an admirer of Jesus Christ. According to him, Durant’s historical analysis emphasised that morality alone is insufficient to ensure the survival of a society if it lacks the ability to defend itself.

“A morally superior civilization may still fall to a ruthless enemy if it does not have the power to defend itself. No offense was meant,” he added.

The initial remarks, made during a televised press conference, framed the argument that historical outcomes often favour strength and power over purely moral considerations. That framing, however, was widely interpreted as implying a comparison between religious teachings associated with Jesus and figures known for military conquest.

The reaction from Christian audiences was swift, with many expressing concern that the comparison diminished the religious and spiritual significance of Jesus Christ, who is regarded in Christianity as the “Prince of Peace” and central to the faith’s teachings.

Religious leaders and commentators also weighed in, urging greater sensitivity when discussing figures of deep religious importance, particularly in politically charged contexts. Among them, Munther Isaac, a Palestinian Lutheran pastor based in Bethlehem—traditionally regarded as the birthplace of Jesus—criticised the remarks as inappropriate and offensive, arguing that they could be seen as undermining Christian ethical teachings.

The debate has also highlighted broader tensions surrounding the interpretation of historical and religious references in political discourse, especially when delivered by global leaders addressing international audiences. Analysts note that such remarks can easily be taken out of context or amplified across social media, intensifying public reaction.

Despite the controversy, Netanyahu has maintained that Israel continues to uphold religious freedom and that Christian communities are protected within the country. His office has not indicated any plans to retract the statement further, maintaining that the remarks were part of a broader discussion on security, history, and geopolitical realities rather than a commentary on religious beliefs.

The episode underscores how remarks by political leaders can quickly generate global attention, particularly when they involve sensitive religious comparisons, and how clarifications are often required to manage diplomatic and public perception fallout.

Netanyahu Clarifies Jesus Remarks, Denies Offending Christians Amid Backlash

Trump Slams NATO Allies as ‘Cowards, Paper Tigers’ Over Iran War

U.S. President Donald Trump has sharply criticised NATO allies, branding them “cowards” for failing to support his call for military assistance in the ongoing conflict involving Iran and efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global shipping route.

Trump, who has repeatedly questioned the value of the NATO alliance, escalated his rhetoric in a post on his Truth Social platform, accusing member states of benefiting from U.S. military actions while refusing to contribute to operations aimed at stabilising the region.

“Without the U.S.A., NATO IS A PAPER TIGER!” Trump wrote, adding that allies who declined to participate in efforts to secure the Strait of Hormuz were “COWARDS” and would be “remembered.”

The U.S. President argued that NATO countries declined to support what he described as a “simple military manoeuvre” to reopen the strategic waterway, which has been disrupted amid heightened tensions in the Middle East. He maintained that securing the passage would help ease global energy prices, which have surged due to the conflict.

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Trump also claimed that the broader military campaign against Iran is already “militarily won,” asserting that the remaining risks to allied nations are minimal. His comments come as he alternates between insisting that the United States can act unilaterally and criticising partners for not joining the effort.

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world’s most critical energy chokepoints, with a significant portion of global crude oil and liquefied natural gas shipments passing through it. Disruptions in the area have contributed to rising oil prices and increased volatility in global markets.

In response to the crisis, several international powers, including United Kingdom, France, Germany and Japan, have expressed willingness to support efforts to ensure maritime security in the region. However, most have stopped short of committing troops or direct military involvement, instead favouring diplomatic engagement and de-escalation.

Some NATO members have also signalled reluctance to participate in any military mission without a ceasefire in place, citing concerns about being drawn deeper into a widening regional war. Reports indicate that none of the countries targeted by Trump’s remarks were formally consulted prior to the launch of the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran.

The conflict, which intensified after joint US-Israeli strikes on Iranian targets beginning in late February, has led to retaliatory actions across the Gulf region and further strained global energy supply chains. Iran has reportedly taken steps that have disrupted commercial shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, amplifying fears of prolonged instability.

Analysts say Trump’s latest comments highlight growing divisions between the United States and its NATO allies over strategy in the Middle East. While Washington has leaned toward a more assertive military posture, many European and Asian partners continue to prioritise restraint, coordination, and negotiated solutions.

As tensions persist, the dispute underscores broader questions about burden-sharing within NATO and the future of transatlantic cooperation amid one of the most volatile geopolitical crises in recent years.

Trump Slams NATO Allies as ‘Cowards, Paper Tigers’ Over Iran War