Geopolitics / Donald Trump Signs Act Expanding Russia, Iran Sanctions

Washington, Sep 19: In a decisive move to intensify economic pressure on Moscow and maintain leverage over Tehran, President Donald Trump has enacted sweeping new sanctions through the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a law that expands US authority against Russia while extending sanctions on Iran for another five years.

The White House said the measure authorises new statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions on Russia while continuing existing restrictions on Iran.

Under the legislation, the president must impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or gas, or on countries among the top five facilitators of Russian oil sanctions evasion. Republican Senator Katie Britt noted that no specific countries or tariff rates were named.

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Britt’s office added that exemptions apply to nations whose Russian natural gas imports account for less than 15 per cent of Russia’s total exports, provided they are taking significant steps to reduce reliance.

Beyond energy, the sanctions target Russian officials, oligarchs, their families, foreign persons, banks, financial institutions, and the Russian shadow fleet. The act authorises both primary and secondary sanctions against Russia and actors supporting its war in Ukraine.

Joining Trump in the Oval Office for the signing, Britt declared: “By signing this bill today, President Trump sent a clear message to Russia, and any countries that help fund its war machine, that the United States stands unified in our opposition to their acts of aggression against Ukraine.”

She credited colleagues in Congress and the White House for passage, highlighting Graham’s role: “We would not be here today if it weren’t for his tireless work, and it’s a true honour to have helped champion such an important part of his legacy.”

Representative Michael McCaul of Texas attended the ceremony, while Idaho Republican Mike Simpson praised the measure’s economic restrictions.

“We can all agree that this war has gone on for far too long, and we must not allow Russia to claim victory or believe they have won the war,” Simpson said. His release described the act as establishing new mandatory sanctions and restrictions targeting Russia.

The legislation underscores Washington’s intent to intensify economic pressure on Moscow while maintaining leverage over Tehran, reinforcing bipartisan support for measures aimed at curbing aggression and safeguarding global stability.

(IANS)