On Friday, President Trump officially enacted a comprehensive sanctions bill aimed at Russia and Iran, supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), as confirmed by the White House.
The legislation, known as the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, specifically addresses Russian oil and gas exports that have been instrumental in fueling Vladimir Putin’s ongoing conflict with Ukraine. It also expands existing sanctions targeting Iran’s energy and arms sectors.
The House of Representatives approved the measure on Wednesday with a 262-159 vote.
Earlier, the Senate passed it largely with an 86-11 vote.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed gratitude to Trump for signing the bill, highlighting Graham’s significant role in advocating for it on social media.
“When Lindsey Graham was in Ukraine, he frequently emphasized the necessity of maintaining pressure on Russia, strengthening sanctions, and pursuing a path to peace,” Zelensky mentioned on X. “This is especially true for those capitals that continue to buy Russian oil and provide financial services to Russia, enabling businesses linked to Putin to operate normally elsewhere.”
“Senator Graham firmly believed that America could confront dictators effectively and yield results if it acted decisively,” he added. “I sincerely thank President Trump for endorsing this vital legislation.”
Zelensky also acknowledged the support from various lawmakers for the bill and urged for its prompt execution.
“To truly honor Lindsey’s memory, we must ensure the provisions of this law are implemented swiftly,” he remarked.
The new legislation permits the Trump administration to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on major importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. It also extends sanctions on Iran that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who played a crucial role in advocating for the bill in the House, stated that it would compel Russian President Vladimir Putin “to the negotiating table.”
“Evil is advancing, history is calling, and now is the moment for action,” he asserted in front of the House on Wednesday, indicating that the bill aims to restrain Putin’s ambitions and avert further incursions into Eastern Europe.
“Lindsey Graham once declared that this bill would be his monumental achievement,” McCaul noted. “I can’t think of a more fitting tribute to his legacy than the passage of these stringent sanctions.”
