Washington Turns the Jones Act Waiver Into an Iran-War Fuel Bypass

President Trump extended a Jones Act waiver for another 90 days, with the new window taking effect on August 17, 2026, after the prior waiver period expired on August 16. The waiver allows foreign-flagged vessels to move covered energy and agricultural commodities between U.S. ports as the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruption keep pressure on fuel logistics. The policy is now a live energy-security workaround, but maritime-state lawmakers and domestic shipping advocates warn it could weaken the U.S.-flag fleet and shipbuilding base.