US Senate Passes Sweeping Russia, Iran Sanctions Bill

US Senate Passes Sweeping Russia, Iran Sanctions Bill

Washington, Aug. 7 [VoM News]: The US Senate on Friday passed a sweeping sanctions bill targeting Russia and Iran, advancing legislation aimed at increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine and expanding sanctions on Tehran.

The bill, titled the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026,” was approved by an 86-11 vote. It is named in honour of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a longtime supporter of Ukraine, who died last month.

The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives, where it is expected to be considered after lawmakers return from their summer recess at the end of August.

The measure authorises the US President to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on countries that are among the largest purchasers of Russian oil and natural gas, including nations such as India, Japan and some European Union member states. The President would also have the authority to lift those tariffs at his discretion.

In addition to targeting Russia, the bill strengthens sanctions on Iran and includes provisions aimed at preventing the financing of Iran’s energy and weapons sectors.

The legislation had remained stalled for more than a year despite bipartisan support, as President Donald Trump had previously preferred to keep sanctions decisions under executive authority rather than congressional control.

Ukraine welcomed the Senate’s approval, with its embassy in Washington describing the measure as a timely and significant step to increase pressure on Russia.

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However, the proposal may face greater scrutiny in the House of Representatives. Some lawmakers have expressed concern that the expanded tariff powers granted to the President could increase costs for American businesses and consumers.

Representative Gregory Meeks and Representative Don Beyer criticised the tariff provisions, arguing they could be broadly used and create economic uncertainty.

Senator Rand Paul was the only Republican to vote against the legislation, describing tariffs as taxes that ultimately burden American consumers.

Supporters of the bill argue the measures are designed to reduce Russia’s energy revenues, which they say continue to finance Moscow’s military operations in Ukraine, while also tightening pressure on Iran through expanded sanctions.

(Inputs from Reuters)