Trump Signs Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill into Law
The legislation, championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, targets Russian oil and gas exports and extends sanctions against Iran.
President Trump on Friday signed into law a comprehensive sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, a legislative effort championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC). The White House announced the signing on Friday.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 aims to curtail the flow of revenue funding Russia's ongoing war in Ukraine by imposing measures on Russian oil and gas exports. It also extends existing sanctions against Iran's energy and weapons sectors, which were set to expire at the end of the year.
The bill previously passed the House of Representatives with a 262-159 vote and cleared the Senate with an 86-11 vote.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to President Trump for signing the bill and lauded Senator Graham's commitment to its passage. "When Lindsey Graham was here in Ukraine, he would always talk about how important it was not to ease pressure on Russia, to strengthen sanctions and seek a path to peace," Zelensky wrote on X.
Zelensky added, "I thank President Trump for signing this critically important legislation." He further urged for the prompt and full implementation of the law's provisions, stating, "The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly."
The legislation grants the Trump administration the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas.
Representative Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who spearheaded the bill's passage in the House, stated that the legislation "will force" Russian President Vladimir Putin "to the negotiating table." McCaul remarked on the House floor that Graham considered the bill his "great achievement" and that passing it would be an appropriate way to honor his legacy.