Trump signs sweeping new Russia and Iran sanctions law

On September 18, President Donald Trump signed the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, expanding sanctions against Russia and Iran. The bill, named after the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, enhances restrictions targeting Russia while extending existing sanctions against Iran. The House of Representatives approved the legislation on September 16 with a vote of 262-159, following the Senate's passage on August 7.

Graham and Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal first introduced the sanctions proposal in April 2025, proposing tariffs as high as 500% against countries purchasing Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other products. The final law grants the U.S. president authority to impose tariffs up to 100% on goods imported from top purchasers of Russian crude oil or natural gas and major facilitators of Russian energy sanctions evasion.

Exemptions include uranium used in U.S. nuclear reactors and specific medical isotopes. The legislation broadens sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, the defense and energy sectors, foreign entities aiding Russia's military efforts, and vessels involved in Russia's shadow fleet to bypass existing restrictions.

It also tightens regulations on Russian defense supply chains and export-control evasion, including transactions involving goods contributing to Russia's military production. The law empowers the president to waive or terminate certain sanctions and tariffs under specific conditions, including peace agreements. The Trump administration supported the final Senate version, citing the inclusion of presidential authorities. The Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 remains extended for an additional five years, through 2031.