President Donald Trump has extended a waiver of the century-old Jones Act for 90 days, allowing foreign-flagged vessels to transport fuel and other goods between U.S. ports in order to ease price pressures triggered by the Iran war and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz.
White House assistant press secretary Taylor Rogers said in a social media post on April 24 that “new data compiled since the initial waiver was issued revealed that significantly more supply was able to reach U.S. ports faster,” adding the extension would provide “certainty and stability” for the U.S. and global economies.
She added that the move would help ensure “vital energy products, industrial materials, and agricultural necessities are maintained.”
How the Waiver Works
The Jones Act requires goods shipped between U.S. ports to travel on vessels that are built, owned, flagged, and crewed by Americans, a rule designed to support the domestic maritime industry and ensure military readiness.The waiver applies to a range of goods, including crude oil, natural gas, coal, fertilizer, and refined petroleum products. Trump administration officials have described the move as a targeted, short-term measure aimed at cushioning the domestic impact of a global supply shock.
Broader Energy and Security Measures
The shipping waiver comes as Washington ramps up a wide-ranging campaign to contain Iran’s warfighting ability by expanding the U.S. naval blockade targeting Iranian-linked vessels, including ones carrying oil.Secretary of War Pete Hegseth said at an April 24 press briefing that the United States had imposed an “ironclad blockade” that is “growing more powerful by the day,” adding that vessels tied to Iran are being turned away or seized across multiple regions.
The conflict—in particular Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz—has fueled volatility in global energy markets, with oil prices surging since the outbreak of hostilities.
To offset the disruptions, the Trump administration has deployed a series of additional steps, including releases from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, coordination with allies on emergency stockpile drawdowns, and efforts to restore shipping flows through the Strait of Hormuz.
“There is to be no hesitation,” Trump wrote in a post on Truth Social, adding that Iran's fleet of small, high-speed boats would not be spared.
Hegseth said during Friday's press briefing that Trump's authorization extends to any Iranian vessels seeking to disrupt shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, while calling on U.S. allies that depend on Gulf oil to "get in a boat" and join the fight.