President mentions “very good” connection with Putin as US seeks to contain soaring prices
The President of the United States, (Republican Party), said on Monday (March 9, 2026) that he will evaluate the sanctions imposed on Russian oil as part of a strategy to contain the rise in energy prices caused by the . The Republican stated that he had a “very good connection” with the President of Russia, Vladimir Putin (independent, left), which could benefit Moscow in the energy market.
Trump told journalists in Florida that the government is considering removing sanctions applied to some countries while instability persists in the Strait of Hormuz, a sea route through which around 20% of the oil traded in the world passes. The corridor connects the Persian Gulf to the Indian Ocean and has been affected by the escalation of conflict in the Middle East. The information is from the agency.
“We have sanctions against some countries. We will remove these sanctions until the strait is open again”said Trump.
According to the news agency, one of the possibilities analyzed by the White House is to reduce restrictions on Russian oil. The measure would expand the global supply of commodity at a time of supply disruptions from the Middle East.
Alternatives include both broad sanctions relief and specific authorizations for certain countries to buy Russian oil without risk of US punishment. Among the scenarios evaluated is allowing countries like India to acquire Russian shipments without facing tariffs or penalties.
Last week, the US already temporarily authorized India to buy Russian oil that was on ships at sea, precisely to compensate for the drop in exports from the Middle East.
The discussion takes place as oil prices reach levels not seen since 2022. A barrel at US$119 on international markets after the start of the war against Iran on February 28, putting pressure on fuel and transport costs. On Monday (March 9th) the price is around US$90.
Trump tried to minimize the impact of the increase. On social media on Sunday (8 March), he declared that the increase is temporary and represents “a very small price to pay for the United States”.
In the call with Putin, Trump said they discussed the conflict with Iran and the situation in the global oil market.
“I said he could be more useful in helping end the war between Russia and Ukraine.”said Trump when commenting on the dialogue.
The Kremlin talks like “very substantial”. Putin’s foreign policy adviser Yuri Ushakov said the contact could have “practical significance” for cooperation between the 2 countries.
Putin stated that the conflict involving Iran, the United States and Israel already poses the risk of a global energy crisis. According to him, the interruption of oil transport through the Strait of Hormuz could seriously affect production dependent on the sea route.
In parallel with discussions on sanctions, the US government took other measures to contain the rise in prices, such as the release of oil from US strategic reserves in coordination with G7 countries (group of the 7 largest economies in the world).
White House spokeswoman Taylor Rogers said the government has been monitoring the situation since before the war began. “President Trump and the entire energy team had a solid plan to keep markets stable before the operation even began.”he declared.
On the Iranian side, the Revolutionary Guard, which will not allow “a liter of oil” Leave the Middle East as long as the American and Israeli attacks continue. Trump responded that the United States would react forcefully if Iran tried to block exports from the region.
“We are going to hit them so hard that it will not be possible for them or anyone who helps them to get this part of the world back.”he stated.
Iranian officials classified the statement as “absurd” and said the country will decide when the conflict will end. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi also said Tehran was unlikely to resume negotiations with Washington after what he called “bitter experience” in previous dialogues.
