The U.S. House of Representatives has approved the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, a significant sanctions package aimed at bolstering economic pressure on Russia and Iran. The legislation, which passed with a 262-159 vote, has already cleared the Senate and is now awaiting President Donald Trump’s decision.
The act enables President Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil and natural gas. The bill specifically targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors and its fleet of oil tankers that are used to sidestep existing sanctions. This measure also extends sanctions against Iran while introducing additional penalties against Russian officials and financial institutions involved in sanctions evasion.
Countries such as India and China, which have been purchasing Russian energy, could be affected by these potential tariffs. Although the legislation provides for tariffs up to 100%, it does not mandate them; instead, it grants the U.S. president the discretion to apply tariffs based on specific criteria related to Russian energy purchases and sanctions evasion activities.
India, one of the countries likely impacted by this legislation, has stated that its energy sourcing decisions are driven by national interests. The tariff provisions in the bill could introduce a new point of contention in ongoing trade discussions between the U.S. and India.
The bill’s passage marks a further escalation in the U.S.’s economic strategy against Russia, as lawmakers seek to tighten the constraints on Russia’s ability to fund its activities through international energy sales. The focus on sanctions evasion and the inclusion of potential tariffs highlight the U.S.’s intent to cut off economic avenues for Russia and its allies.