Trump signs Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act

On September 19, 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, broadening U.S. sanctions against Russia and extending Iran sanctions for five years. The bill grants the president authority to impose up to 100% tariffs on countries linked to Russ…

By Felo News Desk · Published Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:58:42 GMT

On Friday, September 19, 2026, President Donald Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law, marking a significant escalation in U.S. economic pressure against Russia and a reinforcement of sanctions on Iran. The new law expands the President’s authority to impose tariffs and sanctions, and it extends the Iran Sanctions Act for an additional five years.

What the Act Does

The legislation grants the President the power to levy tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from any country that meets specific criteria tied to the purchase of Russian crude oil or natural gas, or that facilitates sanctions evasion. While the act does not automatically impose a 100 percent tariff on any single nation, it creates a statutory pathway for such measures if the President determines that a country is actively supporting Russian energy exports.

Key provisions also target Russian officials, financial institutions, defense‑related networks, and the country’s so‑called “shadow fleet” of vessels that transport energy while bypassing Western restrictions. The law further extends the Iran Sanctions Act, which imposes comprehensive economic restrictions on Iran, for an additional five years.

Legislative Journey and Naming

The bill was named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a leading advocate for the measure. It passed the U.S. Senate with a decisive 86‑11 vote in August and cleared the House of Representatives with a 262‑159 vote earlier in the week. The bipartisan support reflected a shared concern over Russia’s military actions in Ukraine and the need to maintain robust sanctions against Iran.

Impact on Global Trade and Key Nations

India and China, major purchasers of Russian crude, are among the nations that could face the most significant implications under the new law. The legislation provides the President with the authority to impose targeted duties on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as on any country that facilitates sanctions evasion. While the act does not specify a list of countries, it creates a framework for future tariff decisions based on evolving trade patterns.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the legislation, describing sanctions as a vital tool to pressure Russia toward peace. The law also includes provisions that allow the President to grant waivers under certain conditions, provided that a certification is submitted to Congress indicating that the waiver serves the national interest.

Criticism and Concerns

Some U.S. lawmakers have expressed concerns about the broad tariff powers granted to the President, citing potential economic consequences for American consumers and allies. Critics argue that the ability to impose 100 percent tariffs could disrupt global supply chains and lead to retaliatory measures from affected countries.

Despite these concerns, supporters maintain that the legislation is necessary to increase economic pressure on Moscow and to curb the flow of revenue that supports Russia’s war in Ukraine. By expanding sanctions and providing a clear legal framework for future tariffs, the act aims to deter countries from facilitating Russian energy exports and to strengthen the U.S. position in international diplomacy.

What Happens Next

The President will now have the authority to enact tariffs and sanctions as outlined in the act, subject to congressional oversight and potential waivers. The law’s provisions will be monitored closely by international partners, and its impact on global trade will be assessed in the coming months. The extension of Iran sanctions will also be implemented over the next five years, with ongoing evaluations of compliance and enforcement.

As the geopolitical landscape evolves, the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act represents a pivotal tool in the U.S. arsenal, designed to apply sustained economic pressure on adversarial regimes while maintaining flexibility for future policy adjustments.

Key facts

President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act into law.
The act allows up to 100% tariffs on countries linked to Russian energy purchases.
It targets Russian officials, financial institutions, defense networks, and the shadow fleet.
The Iran Sanctions Act is extended for five years.
India and China could be most affected due to their Russian crude imports.
Some lawmakers worry about the economic fallout from broad tariff powers.
The law provides a framework for future sanctions and potential waivers.

Why it matters

The act strengthens U.S. sanctions against Russia and Iran, aiming to curb funding for military operations and deter other nations from supporting Russian energy exports. Its passage signals a continued commitment to using economic tools to influence international conflict dynamics.