U.S. Senate passes Russia, Iran sanctions bill with 86-11 vote
QAMISHLI, Syria (North Press) – The U.S. Senate on Friday overwhelmingly passed legislation imposing new sanctions on Russia and Iran, advancing a measure that targets major buyers of Russian oil and gas and expands sanctions on Iranian weapons and energy sectors.
The bill, renamed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 in honor of the late Republican senator, passed by an 86-11 vote after months of delays.
The 61-page legislation would impose sanctions on major purchasers of Russian oil and gas and authorize targeted tariffs on products from countries that continue to buy significant amounts of Russian energy. The tariff authority would be limited to the five largest importers, according to the bill.
The measure also provides for additional sanctions against Russian leaders, their family members and oligarchs.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune said the legislation would help reduce Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine by cutting off revenue from Russian energy exports.
Following a demand from President Donald Trump, the bill also extends sanctions authority aimed at restricting Iran’s ability to finance its weapons and energy sectors.
The legislation faced opposition from some Democrats and Republican Sen. Rand Paul, who argued that it would grant Trump excessive authority to impose tariffs.
The agreement was announced by Sen. Darline Graham, the late senator’s sister and appointed successor, along with Sens. Richard Blumenthal, Katie Britt, Jeanne Shaheen, Roger Wicker and Jim Risch.
The senators said the legislation would honor Graham’s efforts to restrict funding for Russia’s war and Iran’s military and nuclear activities.
The bill now moves to the Republican-controlled House, where its prospects remain uncertain.