U.S. House Passes Sweeping Russia and Iran Sanctions Bill, Sends It to Trump

Washington, D.C. (Terror Monitor) — The U.S. House of Representatives on Wednesday passed sweeping legislation targeting Russia and Iran, approving the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 by a vote of 262 to 159.

The legislation, which had already cleared the Senate, now goes to President Donald Trump for his signature. The Senate approved the measure by an 86-11 vote on August 7, giving Congress final approval of the sanctions package.

Named in honor of the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, who championed the legislation, the bill expands U.S. sanctions against Russian officials, financial institutions, banks and entities linked to Russia’s energy and defense sectors. It also targets Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels used to evade sanctions and facilitate Russian oil exports.

One of the bill’s most significant provisions gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on certain major purchasers of Russian-origin oil and natural gas, as well as countries or entities involved in helping Russia evade energy sanctions.

According to a Congressional Research Service analysis, the tariff provisions cover the five largest purchasers of Russian crude oil, the five largest purchasers of Russian natural gas, and five leading facilitators of Russian oil-sanctions evasion.

The legislation also contains provisions related to Iran. It extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 for five years, moving its expiration date from the end of 2026 to the end of 2031. The extension maintains the existing legal framework for sanctions under the act rather than automatically adding new individuals or companies to a sanctions list.

The bill also provides authorities to impose sanctions on foreign persons and entities involved in certain transactions with Russia, including activities connected to Russia’s defense and military capabilities. The legislation therefore creates additional exposure for Iranian entities that engage in covered defense or military cooperation with Russia.

The sanctions package is primarily aimed at restricting Russia’s access to financial and energy networks that help sustain its war effort in Ukraine, while the Iran-related provisions preserve and extend existing U.S. sanctions authorities.

The White House had previously supported the legislation, including the five-year extension of the Iran Sanctions Act. An administration policy statement said the bill would provide additional authorities concerning Russia while maintaining sanctions tools related to Iran’s energy sector and other activities.

The legislation now awaits President Trump’s signature. Once enacted, most of its provisions will remain in effect for five years, while the extension of the Iran Sanctions Act will continue through 2031.