Trump Officials Defend Decision To Lift Some Sanctions On Russian Oil

The officials also claimed that the sharp increase in gasoline prices resulting from the Iran war would last only weeks.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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Trump administration officials on Sunday defended a decision to temporarily lift some sanctions on Russian oil and predicted that a sharp increase in gasoline prices resulting from the Iran war would last only weeks. Energy Secretary Chris Wright and U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said a waiver issued last week to allow Indian purchases of Russian oil would alleviate pressure on the global market.

Why it matters

The decision to lift some sanctions on Russian oil comes as the U.S. is grappling with higher prices at the pump due to the ongoing war in Iran. This is a new complicating factor for the U.S. economy, which unexpectedly lost 92,000 jobs in February.

The details

The officials claimed that the waiver can help 'tamp this fear of shortage of oil, tamp the price spikes and the concerns we see in the marketplace.' However, U.S. crude futures surged more than 20% in early trading in Asia on Monday, hitting their highest since July 2022, as the expanding war fueled fears of tighter supply and prolonged disruptions to shipments through the Strait of Hormuz.

  • On March 8, 2026, Trump administration officials defended the decision to lift some sanctions on Russian oil.
  • As of Friday, March 6, 2026, the national average price for regular gasoline stood at $3.32 a gallon, up 11% from the previous week and the highest since September 2024.

The players

Chris Wright

The Energy Secretary.

Mike Waltz

The U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States.

Chuck Schumer

The Senate Minority Leader, a New York Democrat.

John Kennedy

A Louisiana Republican Senator.

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What they’re saying

“It's a 30-day pause to allow, which is just kind of common sense, to allow the millions and millions of barrels of oil that are sitting out on ships to go to Indian refineries.”

— Mike Waltz, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations (NBC's 'Meet the Press')

“Short term oil prices, which will drop rapidly when the destruction of the Iran nuclear threat is over, is a very small price to pay for U.S.A., and World, Safety and Peace. ONLY FOOLS WOULD THINK DIFFERENTLY!”

— Donald Trump (Truth Social)

“The oil prices have gone up because you've got a bunch of oil traders out there in their Gucci loafers, with their caramel Frappuccinos who are bidding up the price.”

— John Kennedy, Louisiana Republican Senator (Fox News Sunday)

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

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.