Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi on Saturday criticised the United States for what he described as a sudden change in its position on Russian oil purchases during the ongoing conflict with Iran.
In a post on the social media platform X, Araghchi said the administration of US President Donald Trump had earlier pressured countries such as India to stop importing crude oil from Russia. However, he claimed that Washington is now urging nations to buy Russian oil because of disruptions caused by the war with Iran.
"The US spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, White House is now begging the world--including India--to buy Russian crude," Araghchi wrote on X.
The U.S. spent months on bullying India into ending oil imports from Russia. After two weeks of war with Iran, White House is now begging the world—incl India—to buy Russian crude.
— Seyed Abbas Araghchi (@araghchi) March 13, 2026
Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win U.S. support against Russia.
Pathetic. pic.twitter.com/fbkrXpXa9P
Criticism of Europe’s support for the war
Araghchi also targeted European countries for supporting what he described as an “illegal war” against Iran. According to him, European governments believed that backing the US campaign against Tehran would lead to stronger American support in their confrontation with Russia.
"Europe thought backing illegal war on Iran would win US support against Russia. Pathetic," he said. His remarks reflect the growing diplomatic tension between Iran and Western nations as the conflict in the Middle East continues to escalate.
Iran allows India-flagged LPG ships through Hormuz
Despite the tensions, Iran has permitted two India-flagged liquefied petroleum gas carriers to pass through the strategic Strait of Hormuz, according to a report by Reuters citing four sources familiar with the situation.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important maritime routes for energy shipments. A large share of global oil and gas trade passes through this narrow waterway that connects the Persian Gulf to international markets.
In another development, Reuters reported that a crude oil tanker transporting Saudi Arabian oil is expected to arrive in India on Saturday. Shipping data from Lloyd's List Intelligence indicates that the vessel moved through the Strait of Hormuz around March 1 before heading toward Indian ports.
US says Indian purchases of Russian oil are unavoidable
Meanwhile, the United States has acknowledged that India’s continued imports of Russian crude are difficult to prevent under current conditions.
US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said India’s purchases of Russian oil were “inevitable” because of urgent energy needs caused by disruptions linked to the conflict in West Asia.
During an interview with Sky News journalist Wilfred Frost, Bessent explained that Washington allowed a temporary 30-day waiver for Indian refiners that had previously faced restrictions on buying Russian oil.
He said the exemption was granted partly because shipments of Russian crude had already begun moving toward buyers.
“Well, I think it's an inevitability, and that's why we gave a 30-day waiver—because the Russian barrels are on the water and it is a quick source for the Indian refineries. The other way to think about it is those barrels were going to end up in China anyway,” Bessent added.
Energy markets under pressure
The debate over Russian oil highlights the wider energy challenges facing many countries as the conflict in the Middle East continues. Disruptions to shipping routes and rising geopolitical tensions have forced governments and energy companies to adjust their supply strategies.
For India, which imports the majority of its crude oil, maintaining stable energy supplies remains a key priority as global markets become increasingly volatile.