US weighs lifting sanctions on Iran's 'shadow fleet' to address surging costs

The US is considering lifting sanctions on “shadow fleet” tankers tied to Russia and Iran to address soaring diesel prices ahead of midterm elections, according to multiple reports and a senior US official. US Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in a video address to an energy forum in Riyadh this week that the Trump administration was discussing easing sanctions on shadow fleet vessels to address record freight rates that have driven up costs of shipping American energy abroad, Energy Aspects, a research group, said. The Financial Times reported on Thursday that the US could allow the sale of blacklisted vessels to non-sanctioned operators and lift sanctions, allowing them to operate without restrictions.