Trump Signs Sweeping Sanctions Targeting Russia, Iran and Their Energy Allies

Washington – In a move that many analysts are already calling a game‑changer, President Donald Trump signed the “Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026” (H.R. 5334) late Friday night, September 18.

The bill, which cleared the House of Representatives earlier that week, gives the executive broad authority to slap new duties—up to a full 100 percent—on any nation that ranks among the top five importers of Russian crude oil or natural gas. China and India are squarely in the crosshairs, but the law lets the President decide who gets hit and how hard.

Beyond the headline‑grabbing tariffs, the Act widens existing sanctions on Iran and tightens the noose around Russia’s energy machine. It targets the Kremlin’s leadership, key players in the oil‑and‑gas sector, and the so‑called “shadow fleet” – a network of foreign vessels, insurers, managers and owners that help Moscow evade export bans.

There is, however, a built‑in escape hatch. Any country whose imports of Russian gas make up less than 15 percent of Moscow’s total gas exports – and that has taken “significant steps” to cut those imports – can be exempted from the gas‑related duties. In practice, that means the United States could negotiate waivers for nations willing to diversify away from Russian energy.

The legislation takes effect within 30 days of the President’s signature, and it gives Trump wide‑ranging discretion: he can pick the tariff rates, choose which countries face the highest penalties, and even waive specific provisions if he deems it strategically useful.

Critics argue the measure could stoke further geopolitical tension and hurt global markets, while supporters say it sends a clear message that Moscow and Tehran will pay a price for defying international norms. Time will tell how the new sanctions reshape the delicate balance of energy trade and diplomatic relations.