After the United States lifted restrictions on the purchase of Russian oil amid the ongoing Iran war and rising global oil prices, California Governor Gavin Newsom mocked US President Donald Trump by calling him Russian President Vladimir Putin’s “pet dog” and sharing an AI generated image showing Putin walking Trump on a leash. The US Treasury said the temporary move allowing countries to buy Russian oil currently stranded at sea aims to stabilize global energy markets and control oil prices, which surged due to the conflict between Iran and Israel and tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.

Meanwhile, Washington is also planning to release 172 million barrels of oil from its Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The decision comes amid broader geopolitical tensions, including the Iran war, US military activity in the region, and political criticism from Newsom over several actions of the Trump administration.

Source:
TBS