Ships passing near the Strait of Hormuz [Reuters = Yonhap News] 

The US administration of Donald Trump is reportedly planning to end the temporary sanctions waiver on Iranian crude oil after April 19 and resume sanctions.

Reuters reported on the 14th (local time), citing administration officials, that the US government plans to reimpose sanctions on Iranian crude oil after April 19.

Previously, the Trump administration announced on April 20 that it would allow the sale of Iranian crude oil that had been held at sea for 30 days to curb soaring international oil prices due to the war with Iran. The sales permit is valid until 12:01 AM EST on April 19.

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant stated that approximately 140 million barrels of crude oil have entered the global market through this measure, contributing to easing energy supply burdens during the war period.

The resumption of these sanctions is interpreted as a comprehensive economic pressure on Iran.

The Trump administration has also been implementing measures since yesterday to blockade ships departing from or arriving at Iranian ports.

This is interpreted as an effort to pressure Iran by blocking its crude oil exports and restricting toll collection in the Strait of Hormuz, while simultaneously increasing its negotiating leverage in future peace talks.

One official said that the Trump administration may apply various sanctions, including secondary sanctions, to entities involved in illicit activities with Iran, such as purchasing Iranian crude oil.

"Any activity with Iran can trigger further sanctions," the official said.

The US has also been identified as not extending the waiver on transactions involving Russian crude oil, which expired on the 11th.

Previously, criticism arose in the US Congress, from both the ruling and opposition parties, regarding the temporary easing of sanctions on Iran and Russia by the US.

This is because the sanctions relief could have allowed funds to flow into these countries, which are parties to the war, enabling them to continue fighting. Russia is at war with Ukraine.