Tehran: Iran’s Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi has taken a swipe at Washington’s energy policy, claiming the United States has shifted from pressuring countries like India to stop buying Russian oil to now urging the world to keep those supplies flowing.
In a strongly worded message on social media, Araghchi said the United States had spent months pushing India and other nations to cut imports of Russian crude. However, the escalation of tensions in the Middle East following recent U.S.–Israel strikes on Iran has disrupted global energy routes, prompting Washington to soften its stance.
He also criticised European governments for backing the strikes, arguing that the move has worsened instability in the region and threatened vital maritime trade routes.
Diplomatic Contact With India
The remarks came shortly after Araghchi held a phone conversation with Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. It was the fourth discussion between the two leaders since tensions began rising in the Middle East.
India has been maintaining diplomatic engagement with regional powers while closely monitoring developments that could affect its energy security.
Strait of Hormuz Disruptions
The crisis has disrupted shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, one of the world’s most critical oil transit routes connecting the Persian Gulf with the Arabian Sea.
Amid the tensions, a small number of India-bound vessels have managed to cross the waterway. Two tankers carrying large quantities of crude oil and liquefied petroleum gas from West Asia recently reached Indian ports after successfully navigating the conflict-affected corridor.
Their arrival has offered a measure of relief for India’s energy sector, which had been bracing for supply disruptions as maritime traffic slowed dramatically in the region.
Journalist: America had to reverse its policy on India buying Russian oil. Is this a matter of regret for you?
US Treasury Secretary: It was inevitable that India would buy Russian oil. Those barrels were about to end up in China anyway. pic.twitter.com/FLo3cyOrjL
— Shashank Mattoo (@MattooShashank) March 14, 2026
Energy Security Concerns
India depends heavily on fuel imports from West Asia, particularly LPG used for household cooking gas. A large share of these shipments normally travels through the Strait of Hormuz, making the route vital for the country’s energy logistics.
With several cargoes temporarily stalled during the conflict, authorities have prioritised domestic LPG distribution while monitoring shipments awaiting clearance in the Persian Gulf.
Energy analysts say that if more tankers are able to sail through the Strait of Hormuz in the coming days, it could significantly ease supply pressures and stabilise India’s fuel supply chain despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions.
