Trump Signs Landmark Russia-Iran Sanctions Bill Named After Late Senator Lindsey Graham

US President Donald Trump signed a bill into law on Friday that imposes strict new sanctions on Russia and secures punitive economic measures against Iran for the next five years.

Named in honour of the late Senator Lindsey Graham, a staunch Russia critic and Iran hawk, the legislation successfully passed the House of Representatives this week following its approval in the Senate early last month.

The newly enacted law grants Mr Trump and future American presidents the authority to enforce tariffs of up to 100 per cent on major importers of Russian energy—such as India, Japan, and select EU countries—alongside nations assisting in the evasion of Russia’s energy sanctions. Furthermore, the measure targets Moscow's leadership and cracks down on Russia's shadow fleet of oil tankers.

Designed to pressure Russia into ending the war in Ukraine, which is currently in its fourth year, the bill marks a shift for Mr Trump, who had previously hesitated to impose sanctions on Moscow out of concern that they would hinder negotiations.

Darline, the sister of Mr Graham who has assumed the senator's vacant seat and is running to fill it in South Carolina, thanked Mr Trump for enacting the legislation.

“I wish Lindsey were here to celebrate this historic day. I know he would be so proud,” she stated, expressing confidence that the measures will increase the President's leverage to secure a lasting peace in Ukraine.

Additionally, the Iran provision extends the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996, which was scheduled to expire this year. These measures maintain pressure on Iran's weapons and energy industries to choke off state revenue.

The US is currently conducting Operation Economic Outcast, an initiative aimed at severing Iranian funding sources globally. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent emphasized this week that the Treasury will continue to disrupt entities providing financial, technological, or material support to the Iranian regime.