Germany сriticizes US move to loosen oil sanctions amid Iran war

Germany on Friday sharply criticised plans by Donald Trump to ease oil sanctions on Russia and Iran, warning that such steps could empower regimes accused of repression and aggression.

Speaking to the Bild newspaper, German Economy Minister Katherina Reiche said that loosening sanctions in order to curb rising global energy prices linked to the war in Iran would be counterproductive.

“It cannot be in our interest to strengthen regimes — through the easing of oil sanctions — that are responsible for oppression and terror at home or that wage wars of aggression abroad in violation of international law,” she stated.

Reiche pointed specifically to Russia’s war in Ukraine and Iran’s crackdown on anti-government protests on January 8–9.

“Every dollar spent on oil from Russia also feeds the war chest; every dollar spent on oil from Iran stabilises a regime that is fundamentally opposed to our values,” she added.

Her comments come after Washington decided to temporarily lift sanctions on Russian oil as part of efforts to contain surging energy prices driven by the US–Israeli military campaign against Iran. The United States is also considering easing restrictions to allow foreign buyers to purchase Iranian crude currently held in floating storage.

Despite these developments, Reiche emphasised that Germany would not change its approach. “We are steadfastly staying the course: toward greater independence, greater diversification of energy imports, and accelerated expansion of renewable energy,” she said.

The impact of the ongoing conflict is already being felt domestically. In Germany, petrol prices have risen sharply—from around €1.82 ($2.10) per litre to €2.07 ($2.39) per litre—marking an increase of nearly 14% within just three weeks.

By Tamilla Hasanova