Trump signs bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran
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President Donald Trump enacted a bipartisan law that imposes sanctions on Russian officials, banks and energy sectors, and allows tariffs of up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian oil, while also extending sanctions on Iran.
President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Friday, a bipartisan measure that imposes sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, oligarchs, banks and key energy and defence entities, as well as the shadow fleet of oil tankers. The law also extends sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.
A central provision grants the president authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five biggest importers of Russian oil and gas, a step expected to affect China and India most heavily. The legislation passed the Senate last month and the House on Wednesday, with 58 Democrats joining Republicans in support, marking the first major Ukraine-related bill to clear Congress in more than two years.
Supporters said the sanctions aim to cut off funding for Russia’s war effort and encourage negotiations. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described the bill as a powerful tool, while House Speaker Mike Johnson said it places maximum pressure on the Russian war machine. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed hope that the measures would bring Moscow to the negotiating table.
Opposition came from House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who warned that the tariff authority could raise costs for American families and criticized the sanctions for containing loopholes. India, a major potential target of the tariffs, stated it remains committed to ensuring energy security for its population. The signing occurs a week before President Trump is scheduled to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House.