Washington, March 11 (NationPress) The White House announced that President Donald Trump has personally granted a temporary waiver, enabling India to acquire Russian oil as part of a wider initiative to restore stability to global energy markets amid the disruptions resulting from the ongoing U.S. military operations against Iran.

This decision followed discussions involving the President, the Treasury Department, and national security officials, as conveyed by White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt.

Leavitt stated, “The President, along with the Secretary of the Treasury and the entire national security team, reached this conclusion because our allies in India have acted responsibly in the past by halting purchases of sanctioned Russian oil.”

The temporary waiver aims to mitigate the disruptions in the global oil supply triggered by the crisis related to Iran.

“As we address the temporary oil supply deficit caused by the situation involving Iran, we have allowed them to import Russian oil for the time being,” she explained.

Leavitt pointed out that the oil shipments had already been in transit prior to the waiver's approval.

“This Russian oil was already at sea, it was already on the water,” she noted.

The White House indicated that the administration does not foresee this arrangement to provide substantial financial gains to Moscow.

“We do not anticipate that this short-term measure will yield significant financial advantages for the Russian government at this moment,” Leavitt stated.

These statements were made as the White House provided updates regarding Operation Epic Fury, the U.S. military initiative focused on dismantling Iran’s missile infrastructure and naval capabilities.

Leavitt mentioned that the operation has made significant headway since its launch ten days ago, revealing that “over 5000 enemy targets have been successfully struck so far.”

She also highlighted that Iran's capacity for retaliation has significantly diminished.

“Ballistic missile attacks from Iran have decreased by more than 90%, and drone assaults have fallen by about 35% since the initiation of Operation Epic Fury,” Leavitt reported.

The U.S. forces have also targeted Iranian naval resources.

“We have eliminated more than 50 Iranian naval vessels, including a significant drone carrier ship,” she added, noting that the Iranian navy has been assessed as “combat ineffective.”

The administration reiterated that the objectives of the operation remain unchanged.

“The goals for Operation Epic Fury are clear: dismantle the terrorist regime's ballistic missile capabilities, obliterate their missile production facilities, prevent their proxies from destabilizing the region, and ensure that Iran never acquires nuclear weapons,” Leavitt concluded.

The White House also emphasized the commitment of the United States to maintain the flow of energy through the Strait of Hormuz, a critical global oil shipping route.

Leavitt remarked that President Trump had reaffirmed his dedication to safeguarding energy supply channels.

“President Trump reiterated his commitment to ensuring oil continues to flow through the Strait of Hormuz, allowing the United States and all our allies to meet their energy requirements,” she stated.

Additionally, she indicated that the administration has already implemented measures to stabilize energy markets.

“Up to this point, the Trump administration has provided political risk insurance to tankers operating in the Gulf,” she mentioned.

Officials also noted that the U.S. Navy could offer escort services to tankers if needed to keep this vital maritime route open.