📝 Executive Summary
The Biden administration is preparing a new waiver on Russian oil sanctions to offset supply losses from the escalating Iran conflict, signaling concern over tightening global crude markets. The move, though not yet finalized, could add Russian barrels back into the market, easing some price pressures but also underscoring the severity of the supply crunch. Crude benchmarks are likely to react swiftly as traders weigh the relief against persistent Middle East risks.