Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has accused the United States of hypocrisy, claiming that Washington is now urging countries, including India, to purchase Russian oil despite earlier pressuring them to cut imports from Moscow.

Araghchi’s remarks came after the administration of Donald Trump announced a temporary waiver allowing countries to buy Russian oil currently stranded at sea. The decision was taken amid rising global oil prices triggered by the ongoing conflict involving the United States, Israel, and Iran.

Speaking about the move, Araghchi said the United States had previously “bullied India” and other nations to stop buying Russian crude following Western sanctions imposed on Moscow. However, he argued that Washington is now reversing its stance as energy markets face severe disruptions.

“The United States pressured many countries to reduce or halt Russian oil imports. Now, because of rising prices and the consequences of its own policies, it is asking the world — including India — to buy that same oil,” Araghchi said.

On Friday, the Trump administration authorised a limited 30-day window allowing purchases of sanctioned Russian oil shipments currently stranded at sea. Officials said the move is intended to stabilise global energy markets and ease fuel price pressures that have intensified since the conflict in the Middle East escalated.

The war, which began on February 28, has significantly disrupted global oil supply routes and heightened fears of a wider regional crisis. Tensions have been particularly acute around the Strait of Hormuz, a critical shipping lane through which a large portion of the world’s oil supply passes.

Energy analysts say the conflict has pushed crude prices sharply higher, forcing governments to consider emergency measures to stabilise markets and prevent further economic shocks.

India, one of the world’s largest energy consumers, has continued to import significant volumes of Russian crude since Western sanctions were imposed on Moscow following the Ukraine conflict. New Delhi has repeatedly defended its purchases, stating that its priority is ensuring affordable energy for its growing economy.

Araghchi’s comments reflect the deepening diplomatic tensions surrounding the conflict and the broader geopolitical rivalry shaping global energy markets.

As the war continues and oil prices remain volatile, decisions taken by major energy importers such as India are likely to play an increasingly important role in stabilising global supply and prices.