WASHINGTON — The United States has temporarily lifted sanctions restrictions on Iranian oil sales as Washington and Tehran continue diplomatic talks, U.S. officials said on Monday, June 22, 2026. The U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary authorization allowing certain Iranian oil-related transactions for a limited period while negotiations continue, according to officials and Treasury statements.
The temporary measure permits Iran to produce, sell, and deliver crude oil, petroleum products, and related goods under a 60-day waiver, officials said. The authorization is scheduled to remain in effect until August 21, according to the U.S. Treasury Department’s announcement. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the decision was linked to ongoing discussions with Iran, including commitments related to continued talks and access through the Strait of Hormuz.
The move comes as U.S. and Iranian officials continue negotiations aimed at addressing disputes involving Iran’s nuclear program and broader diplomatic issues. Officials said the sanctions waiver was intended to support the talks, while the United States has maintained that further steps would depend on progress in negotiations.
Iran has long faced U.S. sanctions targeting its energy sector after Washington withdrew from the 2015 nuclear agreement during President Donald Trump’s first term. The restrictions have limited Iran’s ability to sell oil openly on international markets. The temporary waiver represents a limited easing of those restrictions rather than a permanent removal of sanctions, according to officials familiar with the decision.
Energy markets responded to the announcement as traders assessed the possibility of additional Iranian oil supplies reaching global buyers. Reuters reported that some Asian refiners remained cautious about purchasing Iranian crude because of logistical, financial, and compliance concerns despite the temporary waiver.
U.S. officials said the decision was connected to Iran’s commitments during talks, while Iranian officials have called for broader sanctions relief and recognition of their economic rights. Details of a possible longer-term agreement remained unclear, and officials from both sides have continued discussions.
The negotiations follow renewed diplomatic engagement between Washington and Tehran after periods of heightened tensions. Officials said the current arrangement is temporary and subject to the outcome of continued talks.
As of Wednesday, June 24, 2026, the temporary oil sanctions waiver remained in place while U.S. and Iranian representatives continued negotiations. Further decisions on sanctions policy were expected to depend on the progress of the talks, officials said.
