Trump Signs Lindsey Graham Russia-Iran Sanctions Act 2026

US President Donald Trump signed bill HR 5334, the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026, on September 18. The legislation, co-authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, authorizes and expands existing US sanctions against Russia and Iran.

What the law entails

According to the White House, the act extends penalties against Russian and Iranian financial institutions, energy companies, and individuals connected to both governments. The primary goal is further economic isolation of Moscow over its military aggression in Ukraine.

Reactions

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky immediately thanked Trump, calling the law a crucial step toward pressuring Russia. Zelensky also thanked the senators and House members who backed the bill. Trump, for his part, stated that Russia has already attacked Ukraine's European allies and has been doing so for nearly five years, providing justification for the expanded sanctions.

Context

The law also contains provisions targeting Iran, which has supplied Russia with drones used to strike Ukrainian cities and infrastructure. It stands as one of the strongest US legislative actions against Russia since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. The bill's passage reflects growing bipartisan consensus in Washington on tightening the economic squeeze on the Kremlin.