Washington (Web Desk): US President Donald Trump has approved new legislation that broadens sanctions against Russia and Iran and gives his administration the authority to impose tariffs of as much as 100% on countries that continue purchasing large volumes of Russian oil and gas.
The White House announced that Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on September 18.
The new law widens existing statutory measures against Russia, including sanctions, trade restrictions and other prohibitions, while also extending the current sanctions framework targeting Iran.
The legislation specifically focuses on Russia’s political leadership and energy industry, along with companies and organisations linked to its defence sector and the so-called “shadow fleet”, which Washington says helps Russia maintain energy exports while bypassing international sanctions.
Under the law, Trump has considerable authority to decide how the measures will be enforced. This includes identifying the countries subject to tariffs, setting the applicable rates and deciding whether some sanctions-related provisions should be waived.
The legislation calls for tariffs of up to 100% on goods entering the United States from countries that were among the five biggest buyers of Russian crude oil or natural gas by total volume during the 12 months before the law was enacted.
The new provisions are expected to come into force within 30 days of Trump’s signing of the legislation.
However, the law includes an exception concerning gas-related tariffs. Countries may qualify for an exemption if their imports of Russian gas represented less than 15% of Russia’s total gas exports during the specified period, provided they have also taken “significant steps” to cut their dependence on Russian gas.
India and China, both significant purchasers of Russian energy, could potentially come under the new tariff framework. Any action against them, however, will depend on how the Trump administration applies the law and assesses the relevant trade data.
The legislation further allows the United States to sanction foreign people and organisations involved in assisting Russian energy production or helping Moscow circumvent existing restrictions.
The measures can extend to vessel owners, operators, managers, insurers and other parties engaged in activities covered by the legislation.
The US House of Representatives approved the measure on Wednesday, paving the way for Trump to sign it into law.
The legislation comes as Washington continues efforts to intensify economic pressure on Moscow over its war in Ukraine, while also maintaining pressure on Iran over its nuclear programme and regional activities.
Despite the legislation authorising tariffs of up to 100%, it does not automatically place a 100% duty on imports from India or China. Any country-specific action will depend on decisions made by the Trump administration under the powers granted by the new law.