The Trump administration has sent mixed signals on sanctions against Russia, first declining to extend a waiver allowing sales of Russian oil, then quietly granting a 30 day extension, and later indicating it would not renew it again. The reversal drew sharp criticism from Ukraine and congressional Democrats, who argue that continued oil sales are funding Russia’s war effort.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the temporary extension followed appeals from developing countries concerned about oil shortages and rising prices. Critics counter that the waiver has provided Russia with hundreds of millions of dollars per day, undermining years of Western efforts to constrain Moscow’s war financing.

At the same time, the administration has intensified economic pressure on Iran, announcing sweeping sanctions on shipping firms, oil tankers and a major Chinese refinery while expanding a global naval blockade of Iranian oil shipments. Officials have described the campaign as a form of economic bombardment aimed at collapsing Iran’s oil sector, though analysts question its effectiveness and legality.

Experts say the shifting policies highlight the growing overlap between economic and military conflict, with energy markets becoming central battlegrounds. The rapid changes have raised concerns about strategic coherence and the long term credibility of the United States in enforcing sanctions and upholding international norms.