President Trump on Friday signed into law a sweeping Russia and Iran sanctions package championed by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), the White House announced.
The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 targets Russian oil and natural gas exports that have helped finance Vladimir Putin’s prolonged and bloody war against Ukraine. The law also extends existing sanctions on Iran’s energy and weapons industries.
The House of Representatives approved the measure Wednesday by a vote of 262–159.
The Senate had previously passed the legislation by an 86-11 vote.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked Trump for signing the sanctions bill and praised Graham’s efforts to advance it in a social media post.
“When Lindsey Graham was here in Ukraine, he would always talk about how important it was not to ease pressure on Russia, to strengthen sanctions and seek a path to peace,” Zelensky wrote on X. “In particular, in those capitals that choose to buy Russian oil, provide financial services to Russia, and allow Russian companies linked to Putin and the war to engage in normal business relations in other countries.
“Senator Graham never doubted for a second that America has enough strength to stand up to dictators and achieve results if it acts THE RIGHT WAY.”
“I thank President Trump for signing this critically important legislation,” Zelensky continued.
Zelensky also expressed gratitude to the lawmakers who backed the measure and urged the administration to put it into effect as quickly as possible.
“The best way to honor Lindsey’s memory will be to implement the provisions of this law fully and swiftly,” he wrote.
The legislation gives the Trump administration authority to impose targeted tariffs of up to 100% on the largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas. It also renews sanctions on Iran that are scheduled to expire at the end of this year.
Rep. Michael McCaul (R-Texas), who led the House effort to pass the bill, said the measure “will force” Russian President Vladimir Putin to “the negotiating table.”
“Evil is on the march, history is calling, and now is the time to act,” McCaul said on the House floor Wednesday. He added that the sanctions would help contain Putin’s ambitions and prevent him from advancing farther into Eastern Europe.
“Lindsey Graham once said this bill would be his great achievement,” McCaul said. “I can think of no better way … to honor his life and his legacy than by passing these tough sanctions.”
