US President Donald Trump signed the "Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026."
Sanctions are a tool that rarely brings quick results but often defines long-term strategy. When economic measures become part of geopolitics, they affect not only governments but also millions of people.
The law authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions against Russia, and extends existing sanctions against Iran. The US House of Representatives passed the bill on Wednesday after the Senate approved it on August 7.
The bill provides for sanctions against Russian officials, banks and vessels used to transport Russian energy resources. It also authorizes Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100 percent on goods from the five largest importers of Russian oil or natural gas. In addition, it extends the Iran Sanctions Act for five years, maintaining sanctions targeting Iran's energy and arms sectors.
Speaking at a press conference in the Oval Office the same day, Trump said the war would end "soon," repeating that Iran would not be allowed to possess nuclear weapons. He also said that after the war with Iran ends, gasoline prices will return to previous levels or even decrease. Meanwhile, Trump said the United States is in contact with the Yemeni armed group the Houthis.
As reported by CCTV+, the signing of the law marked another step in the US sanctions policy against Russia and Iran. The new measures are expected to increase pressure on Iran's energy and arms sectors, as well as on Russian banks and vessels.
