Trump Signs Strong Bipartisan Sanctions Bill to Hold Russia and Iran Accountable
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President Donald Trump has enacted a bipartisan law imposing tough sanctions on Russian officials, banks, and energy sectors, and authorizing tariffs of up to 100% on the largest buyers of Russian oil, while extending crucial sanctions on Iran.
President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on Friday, a decisive bipartisan measure that delivers a powerful blow to America’s adversaries. The law imposes strict sanctions on Russian President Vladimir Putin, senior officials, oligarchs, banks, and key energy and defense entities, as well as the shadow fleet of oil tankers used to evade Western restrictions. It also extends vital sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons sectors, reaffirming America’s commitment to countering hostile regimes.
A central provision grants the president the authority to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on the five biggest importers of Russian oil and gas, a bold step expected to hit China and India hardest. The legislation, which passed the Senate last month and the House on Wednesday, saw 58 Democrats join Republicans, demonstrating rare bipartisan unity in standing up to foreign threats. This is the first major Ukraine-related bill to clear Congress in over two years, signaling renewed resolve to support Ukraine and punish Russia for its aggression.
Supporters praised the sanctions as a way to choke off funding for Russia’s war machine and force Moscow to the negotiating table. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy hailed the bill as a powerful tool, while House Speaker Mike Johnson emphasized that it places maximum pressure on the Russian regime. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed hope that these measures would finally bring Russia to heel.
Opposition was led by House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, who raised concerns about potential costs for American families and criticized the bill for supposed loopholes. India, a major target of the tariffs, insisted it would prioritize its own energy security. The signing comes just a week before President Trump is set to host Chinese President Xi Jinping at the White House, underscoring America’s readiness to confront global adversaries and defend its interests.