US Temporarily Lifts Sanctions on Stranded Iranian Oil to Cap Fuel Price Surge Through April 19

The Trump administration authorized the sale of Iranian oil and petrochemical products currently loaded on tankers, with purchases permitted through April 19—a pragmatic concession as Brent crude holds above $112/barrel. The measure targets an estimated 40-60 million barrels of stranded Iranian crude sitting in floating storage after the Hormuz closure halted normal export flows. The temporary sanctions relief contradicts the administration's maximum pressure posture and signals growing concern about domestic fuel price impacts heading into the summer driving season.