US Senators Agree on Expanded Sanctions Bill Against Russia and Iran

A bipartisan group of US senators reached agreement on July 28, 2026, on legislation to impose new sanctions against Russia and Iran. The bill, formally titled the "Lindsey Graham Sanctions Act Against Russia and Iran 2026," expands on earlier proposals by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11.

The finalized bill includes broad sanctions on Russia's political and military leadership, state-owned enterprises, and foreign companies supporting Russia's defense industry. It imposes restrictions on major Russian financial institutions including the Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank, as well as Russian energy projects such as Yamal LNG and Arctic LNG facilities. Critically, the legislation authorizes the US President to levy 100% tariffs on imports from the five largest purchasers of Russian oil, natural gas, and uranium, as well as on five countries assessed as helping Russia circumvent Western energy sanctions. The bill also targets Russia's shadow fleet. Iran provisions extend the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act.

The bill represents a significant shift from earlier versions that proposed 500% duties. According to reports, President Trump initially expressed concerns about secondary sanctions provisions targeting major trading partners including India and China, but later indicated support following Graham's death. A procedural vote was scheduled for late July 28, with a Senate vote expected in the week of July 28. However, the measure cannot become law before September due to the US House of Representatives' August recess.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky was in Washington on July 28 and addressed senators ahead of the procedural vote. A memorial ceremony for Senator Graham was scheduled for July 29 in Washington.

Russia's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova stated on July 27 that the bill aims to complicate US-Russian relations normalization and criticized the effectiveness of sanctions. Some Democratic senators have expressed concern about provisions expanding presidential authority to impose tariffs on energy-importing nations.