The United States has extended a waiver allowing countries to purchase Russian oil and petroleum products from Friday through May 16, despite a top Cabinet official previously stating the U.S. would not be extending the waiver. The extension is part of the administration's strategy to control energy prices amid cost increases from the Iran war. The 30-day waiver had expired last week and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent had previously stated that the waiver will not be extended. Critics, including Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H., Elizabeth Warren (D) and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, have called the extension "shameful" and a 180-degree reversal from Besset, who had previously pledged not to extend sanctions relief for Russia.