Trump admin weighs lifting Iran oil sanctions with Marines on the way

Oil is closing out the week at over $100 a barrel after Israeli strikes on Iran’s oil fields and retaliatory Iranian strikes on oil fields in Qatar and other Gulf nations. Iran’s closure of the Strait of Hormuz has already succeeded in creating economic pain and uncertainty for millions across the world. Even in the US, the average price of a gallon of gas as reached $3.88 a gallon, 75 cents more than it was three weeks ago.

Trump is still struggling to find a way to counteract the economic and political fallout from his decision to attack Iran. The administration has already lifted sanctions on Russian oil to try to blunt the global price shock. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant now says they are considering lifting sanctions on Iranian oil as well. Sanctions of this type are typically a tool used by the US to keep its global foes in check. Bessant attempted to portray the discussions of easing Iranian oil sanctions as “using the Iranian barrels against the Iranians”.

Iranian oil continues to flow out into the world from the Strait of Hormuz, despite the Strait being largely closed to other traffic. Most of this oil is destined for China. So far, despite having a huge amount of naval assets in the region, the US has taken no action against these Iranian tankers, fearing further economic consequences.

“Winding down” or ramping up?

While Trump says he’s considering “winding down” Middle East war, sources say he’s contemplating an invasion. The sources say the goals of a potential invasion could vary widely in purpose and scope. The range of options includes: a coastal invasion to secure the Iranian coast to reopen the Strait of Hormuz; an assault on sensitive Iranian military sites to steal Iran’s highly-enriched uranium; and a seizure of Iran’s oil fields and related facilities to cut off Iran’s most vital economic lifeline.

A detachment of about 2500 Marines is already on its way to the Middle East from the Pacific (adding to the 50,000 American troops already believed to be in the region). The deployment includes elements of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit the USS Boxer Amphibious Ready Group. They are arriving on three ships of the type used in amphibious assault, including the USS Tripoli, pictured above.