US Oil Dependence on Middle East Lingers Despite Promises
The United States remains heavily reliant on oil from Middle Eastern countries, including Iran and Saudi Arabia. Despite promises to reduce this dependence, American production has not kept pace with demand.
According to a Wall Street Journal headline, Gulf states have resigned themselves to Iranian control over the Strait of Hormuz. U.S. refineries are limited by their ability to process heavier, higher-sulfur crude oil from the Middle East, rather than the lighter, sweeter crude produced domestically.
President Trump has urged the UK's new prime minister to tap more light, sweet crude from the North Sea, which could massively boost the UK economy. However, critics argue that building new refineries would be costly and environmentally contentious, especially with a shift towards renewable energy.