Trump signs Lindsey Graham Russia-Iran sanctions bill into law

President Donald Trump signed a bill into law on Friday that imposes new sanctions on Russia and extends punitive measures against Iran for the next five years. The legislation, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a vocal critic of Russia and Iran, passed the House of Representatives this week and the Senate last month.

The bill enables Trump and future U.S. presidents to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on major importers of Russian energy, including India, Japan, and some EU nations, as well as countries aiding Russia's energy sanctions evasion. It also targets Moscow's "shadow fleet" of oil tankers. The measure aims to compel Russia to cease its conflict in Ukraine, which has persisted for four years.

Initially, Trump was hesitant to impose sanctions on Russia, perceiving it as an obstacle to negotiations; however, he grew more supportive as the war continued. Graham's sister, Darline, who recently assumed her late brother's Senate seat and is running in South Carolina to fill it, expressed her gratitude to Trump for enacting the bill, stating her belief that it will bolster the president's negotiating power in achieving a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Additionally, the Iran provision extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which was set to expire this year. The sanctions target Iran's weapons and energy sectors, aiming to diminish state revenue. The U.S. is actively engaged in Operation Economic Outcast, which focuses on dismantling Iranian sources of funding globally. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent explained that the Treasury will continue to target and disrupt entities providing material, technological, or financial assistance to the Iranian regime, enabling it to perpetuate its terrorist activities.