Democrats accuse Trump of aiding Russia by easing oil sanctions amid US-Israel war on Iran
Democratic senators cite media reports — partly acknowledged by Trump — saying Russia is providing Iran with intelligence that could be used to target US forces.
US Democrats have accused President Donald Trump of weakening pressure on Russia by easing oil sanctions during the US-Israeli war on Iran, warning the move risks boosting Moscow's war revenues while US forces face threats in the Middle East.
Senate Democratic Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and senators Elizabeth Warren and Jeanne Shaheen on Friday called for Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent to testify before Congress about the decision.
The lawmakers cited media reports — partly acknowledged by Trump — saying Russia is providing Iran with intelligence that could be used to target US forces.
"Russia is reportedly providing Iran intelligence to target and kill US service members and the Trump administration's response has been to loosen pressure and help facilitate a windfall of $150 million each day for its war machine," the senators said in a joint statement.
"President Trump is offering more relief to the Kremlin than he is to American families, who are now paying more at the pump and for most other essentials because of this conflict," they added.
Trump said in a radio interview broadcast on Friday that he suspected Russian President Vladimir Putin "might be" aiding Iran "a little bit" during the war.
Waive some sanctions
Earlier this week, Trump announced that Washington would waive some oil-related sanctions to boost global supply and bring down prices as the US-Israeli war with Iran disrupts shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and sends energy markets into turmoil.
The president did not specify which countries would benefit from the relief.
The move followed temporary steps allowing Indian refiners to purchase Russian oil that had been stranded at sea under existing sanctions.
Democratic senators argued that relaxing sanctions on Russian energy companies and related traders would generate major profits for Moscow while the Kremlin remains under pressure over its war with Ukraine.
They also questioned whether the administration had complied with a US law requiring Congress to be notified before sanctions on Russia are eased.
"Secretary Bessent needs to testify because Congress and the American people deserve immediate answers," the lawmakers said.
Energy Secretary Chris Wright defended the sales authorisations, saying the White House was working to ease energy price pressures caused by disruptions linked to the Iran war by tapping oil already in global markets.
"This administration remains focused on American consumers and businesses while carrying out this critical mission to end Iran's ability to threaten Americans, its neighbours and global energy markets," he said.