Media: EU delays Russian oil ban amid Iran crisis

The European Union has reconsidered plans to impose a full ban on oil imports from Russia amid the military operation by the United States and Israel against Iran, Italian outlet L'AntiDiplomatico reports.

According to the publication, a proposal to permanently ban Russian oil imports—initially scheduled for April 15—has been postponed indefinitely.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East may have driven the decision. In response to US and Israeli strikes, Tehran reportedly suspended the passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, a key transit route for global oil supplies. As a result, Brent crude prices surged above $100 per barrel, creating pressure “that no European capital could ignore,” the report said.

The outlet added that a draft law proposing a complete halt to Russian oil imports by the end of 2027 would further strain the market.