US Senate advances Russia and Iran sanctions bill with broad support

Washington, United States. The US Senate on Friday backed legislation imposing expanded sanctions on Russia and Iran, advancing a long-delayed measure that could be considered by the House of Representatives as soon as next month.

The bill, named after late Senator Lindsey Graham, passed by 68 votes to nine as voting continued and would authorise tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major consumers of Russian oil and gas.

Sanctions legislation

The “Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” targets Russian officials and includes expanded sanctions on Iran sought by President Donald Trump.

Graham, a South Carolina Republican, was among Congress’ most outspoken supporters of Kyiv during its four-year war against Russia. The legislation seeks to increase economic pressure on Moscow over its invasion of Ukraine.

It would also allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that are major consumers of Russian energy, including China, India, Japan and some European Union countries. The president would have discretion to lift the tariffs.

House prospects

Republicans hold slim majorities in both the Senate and House of Representatives. Although the Senate vote showed broad support for tougher measures against Russia, the bill’s passage in the House is not assured.

Some lawmakers are concerned that new tariff powers for Trump could increase costs for US importers and consumers and create political risks for Republicans.

Supporters of the legislation said the tariffs were narrowly designed to reduce Russian energy revenue funding its war in Ukraine without causing negative consequences.

European Commission response

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen welcomed the Senate vote, linking it to the European Union’s 21st sanctions package.

“Coming on the back of the EU’s 21st package, I welcome the US Senate’s adoption of the Graham Bill,” von der Leyen wrote on X.

“Together, let us drain Russia’s means to continue a war it cannot win. With hard-hitting, complementary sanctions, Europe and the United States can once again show what historic partners can achieve when we act together,” she added.