Sanctions Easing and Security Guarantees from Europe

US allows purchase of Russian oil, but Germany and Norway reject the move as European countries seek safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz

Mar. 14, 2026 at 7:07am

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The US is allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products stored on ships at sea for the next 30 days, according to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. However, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre have rejected the US initiative, stating that it is wrong to ease sanctions now. Meanwhile, European countries, including France, have begun talks with Iran to secure an agreement guaranteeing the safe passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz, as shipments through the narrow strait have virtually ceased following Iranian attacks on tankers.

Why it matters

The easing of sanctions on Russian oil and the efforts to secure safe passage for European ships through the Strait of Hormuz highlight the ongoing tensions and complexities in the global energy market and geopolitical landscape. The decisions made by European leaders to reject the US sanctions easing and pursue their own diplomatic efforts with Iran demonstrate the diverging priorities and strategies among key players in the international community.

The details

The US Treasury Secretary has announced a 30-day window for countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products stored on ships at sea, in an effort to stabilize global energy markets. However, the German Chancellor and Norwegian Prime Minister have firmly rejected this move, stating that it is wrong to ease sanctions at this time. Separately, European countries, including France, have initiated talks with Iran to secure an agreement that would guarantee the safe passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global energy trade. This comes after Iranian attacks on tankers and the new Iranian supreme leader's announcement of a continued blockade of the strait.

  • The US Treasury Secretary announced the 30-day window for purchasing Russian oil on March 14, 2026.
  • German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre rejected the US initiative during a visit to Norway on March 14, 2026.
  • European countries, including France, have begun talks with Iran to secure a safe passage agreement for their ships through the Strait of Hormuz in recent weeks.

The players

Scott Bessent

The US Treasury Secretary who announced the 30-day window for purchasing Russian oil.

Friedrich Merz

The German Chancellor who rejected the US initiative to ease sanctions on Russian oil.

Jonas Gahr Støre

The Norwegian Prime Minister who also criticized the US sanctions easing.

Iran

The country that has been responsible for attacks on tankers and the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, prompting European countries to seek a diplomatic solution.

European countries

Including France, have begun talks with Iran to secure an agreement guaranteeing the safe passage of their ships through the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“We believe it is wrong to ease sanctions now.”

— Friedrich Merz, German Chancellor

“European countries continue to support Ukraine in the conflict with Russia.”

— Jonas Gahr Støre, Norwegian Prime Minister

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

The diverging approaches between the US and European countries on the issue of sanctions easing and securing safe passage for ships through the Strait of Hormuz highlight the ongoing geopolitical tensions and the need for a coordinated international response to address the complex challenges in the global energy market and regional conflicts.