Trump allows foreign ships between domestic ports to stabilise petrol costs amid Iran war

US President Donald Trump has announced a temporary 60-day suspension of the Jones Act, the century-old law that mandates cargo moving between domestic ports be transported on vessels built, operated and staffed by American citizens or permanent residents.The move comes in response to the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz – a key chokepoint – amid the escalating US-Israeli war against Iran, which has triggered the most severe global oil supply disruption in recent history.The waiver allows foreign-flagged tankers sitting idle in international waters to start transporting energy products between US ports immediately.“President Trump’s decision to issue a ‌60-day Jones Act waiver is just another step to mitigate the short-term disruptions to the oil market as the US military continues meeting the objectives of Operation Epic Fury,” White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt said.She added that the action “will allow vital resources like oil, natural gas, fertiliser and coal to flow freely to US ports for 60 days, and the administration remains committed ‌to continuing to strengthen our critical supply chains.”04:04How US-Israeli strikes on Iran are sending shock waves through global energy marketsHow US-Israeli strikes on Iran are sending shock waves through global energy marketsThe US and Israel launched a joint offensive against Iran on February 28. The conflict has led to attacks on oil infrastructure and the de facto closure of the vital shipping route, further straining global energy flows.