US eases sanctions on Iranian oil at sea, prompting Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf to “troll” Scott Bessent as prices soar amid West Asia conflict.
The decision by the United States to temporarily ease sanctions on Iranian oil shipments already at sea has sparked reactions on social media. The move by the US is aimed at cooling surging global energy prices amid the ongoing West Asia conflict involving Iran.
The decision quickly sparked reactions online after Iran’s Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf mocked the move on X, writing: “Lifting sanctions on Iranian oil currently stranded at sea? Sorry—we’re sold out.”
His comment prompted a response from Javier Blas, energy and commodities Columnist at Bloomberg, who described the exchange as Iran “trolling” US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Blas suggested that the Iranian leader is close to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).
Oh dear, now Iran is trolling Scott Bessent
(Ghalifab is today one of the most powerful Iranian officials; in theory, just the Parliament’s speaker, but in practice, a strongman close to the IRGC) https://t.co/OWI8pUiXHY
— Javier Blas (@JavierBlas) March 21, 2026
Reposting Ghalibaf’s tweet, Blas wrote,” Oh dear, now Iran is trolling Scott Bessent. (Ghalifab is today one of the most powerful Iranian officials; in theory, just the Parliament’s speaker, but in practice, a strongman close to the IRGC).”
US Lifts Sanctions On Iranian Oil At Sea
The 30-day waiver, announced by the administration of Donald Trump, could bring about 140 million barrels of oil into global markets. Oil prices have climbed roughly 50% to more than $100 a barrel, their highest level since 2022, raising concerns in the White House about the impact on businesses and consumers ahead of the November midterm elections.
Bessent said the temporary measure could help stabilize supply and reduce price pressures. In a statement posted on X, he said the US was “temporarily unlocking this existing supply for the world” to counter disruptions linked to the conflict.
The waiver marks the third sanctions relief measure in roughly two weeks. Washington had earlier eased restrictions on Russian oil and issued a general licence on Friday allowing the sale of Iranian crude and petroleum products loaded on vessels through April 19, according to the US Treasury website.