Trump Signs Law Expanding Sanctions Against Russia and Iran

Washington, September 19 (Daily Kiran) : President Donald Trump has signed a new law that broadens sanctions against Russia, including imposing tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil and gas. Additionally, the legislation extends U.S. sanctions against Iran for another five years.

On September 19, Trump enacted the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026.” The White House announced that this law grants the president the authority to impose and enhance legal restrictions, tariffs, and bans on Russia, while also expanding existing sanctions on Iran.

According to Republican Senator Katie Britt, the law instructs the president to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, as well as on the top five countries that assist in evading Russian oil sanctions. However, neither the announcement nor statements from lawmakers specified which countries would be affected by these tariffs, nor did they disclose specific tariff rates.

Britt’s office noted that the law includes exemptions for countries importing less than 15% of Russia’s total natural gas exports, provided they are taking significant steps to reduce that import.

The sanctions are not limited to energy purchases. They also target Russian officials, wealthy oligarchs and their families, foreign individuals, Russian banks, financial institutions, and the so-called “shadow fleet” of ships operating covertly. The law allows for both primary and secondary sanctions against those supporting Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Britt was present with Trump during the signing at the Oval Office, alongside Texas Republican Representative Michael McCaul. She stated, “By signing this bill today, President Trump has sent a clear message to Russia and all nations funding its war machine that America stands united in opposing their aggressive actions against Ukraine.”

She credited the passage of the bill to the cooperation of colleagues in both chambers of Congress and the White House, praising Graham’s efforts in advancing such a crucial piece of legislation.

Idaho Republican Representative Mike Simpson, who supported the law, described additional economic sanctions as a means to further efforts to end the war. He emphasized the need to prevent Russia from claiming victory or believing they have won the war, stating, “We can all agree that this war has gone on for far too long.”