US House passes Russia-Iran sanctions bill

The US House of Representatives has approved a bipartisan bill imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran for five years. Named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a critic of Russia and Iran, the bill passed 262-159 after the Senate. It allows future presidents to impose up to 100% tariffs on major Russian energy importers and countries aiding Russia's energy evasion.

The measure targets Russia's leadership and shadow fleet of oil tankers to pressure Russia to end the four-year war in Ukraine. Initially, President Trump was hesitant to sanction Russia, but he grew more supportive as the war persisted. House co-sponsor Representative Mike Lawler emphasized that the bill raises the cost of aggression against Ukraine.

The bill extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, aiming to pressure Iran's weapons and energy industries by choking off state revenue. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that Operation Economic Outcast focuses on cutting off Iranian sources of funding globally, targeting those who provide material, technological, or financial support to the Iranian regime.