WASHINGTON: The United States authorized Iranian oil sales on Monday, easing decades-old sanctions as it pushes toward a final peace deal with Tehran in return for commitments on nuclear inspections and free transit through the Strait of Hormuz. The general license, announced by the Treasury Department, allows the sale of crude oil and petrochemical and petroleum products of Iranian origin through August 21. The license says Iranian oil can be imported into the US when necessary to complete its sale, delivery or offloading.

Iranian supertankers have switched on their transponders, after going dark during the war, as they depart the region loaded with oil.

Washington has granted Iran a 60-day waiver on oil sanctions, permitting the nation to produce, export, and sell its crude until August 21. This move, part of an interim deal to…