Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 into law, giving his administration new powers to impose sanctions and tariffs on countries that continue buying Russian crude oil or natural gas under conditions set out in the legislation. Washington: US President Donald Trump has signed the Lindsey O.
He signed it on Friday (September 18), the White House said. The law does not automatically impose a 100 per cent tariff on India, China or any other specific country. It passed the Senate by 86-11 in August before clearing the House of Representatives by 262-159 on September 16.
It was introduced by the late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and was named after him. Reuters reported that the House vote sent the bill to Trump for his signature.
The legislation gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the five largest importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas, as well as countries that meet specified criteria involving purchases of Russian energy, efforts to help Russia evade sanctions, financial institutions, defence-related networks, or the “shadow fleet” of vessels used to transport Russian energy while avoiding Western restrictions. The law strengthens statutory sanctions against Russia and extends the Iran Sanctions Act for another five years. The decision to use the authority rests with the US president, subject to the conditions set out in the legislation. The measure also gives the president waiver authority in specified circumstances. A waiver can be issued when the administration certifies to Congress that it is in the national interest.
Reuters reported on September 17 that Indian officials had discussed the legislation and its possible impact on trade and energy markets with their US counterparts. Earlier reporting noted: US President Donald Trump has signed a Russia sanctions bill that allows him to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil and gas, putting India and China under threat. Earlier reporting noted: US President Donald Trump has signed the Russia sanctions bill into law, paving the way for the imposition of up to 100 per cent tariffs on countries buying Russian oil and gas, putting India and China under threat. Earlier reporting noted: The legislation, ‘Lindsey O Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 ‘, is named after Senator Lindsey Graham – one of Ukraine’s staunch defenders in Washington.
Reuters reported that Zelenskyy had strongly backed the bill before its passage through Congress. India had warned Washington that the proposed tariff powers could affect bilateral ties and energy security. Indian refiners have also urged the government to seek exemptions or quotas. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed the legislation and described sanctions as an important tool for putting pressure on Russia to move towards peace. He died in July this year shortly after returning from a trip to Kyiv.
