Biden bans Russian oil imports as Iran talks hit snag
The embargo on Russian energy supplies comes as negotiators in Vienna appear close to striking a deal that would ease sanctions on Iran’s oil sector.
President Joe Biden announced a ban on Russian oil and gas imports into the United States Tuesday as his administration tightens its squeeze on Russia’s economy over its invasion of Ukraine.
“Today, I am announcing the United States is targeting the main artery of Russia’s economy,” Biden said in televised remarks from the White House.
“Russian oil will no longer be acceptable at US ports and the American people will deal another powerful blow to [President Vladimir] Putin’s war machine,” Biden said.
Since Russia’s Feb. 24 invasion, gasoline prices in the United States have surged to their highest levels since 2008, topping $4 per gallon.
