Iran may be Joined to Russia in Sanctions Bill

[ABS News Service/30.07.2026]

Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD) said yesterday he hopes to pass major Russia sanctions legislation in the next few days.

But President Trump may have complicated action by telling reporters yesterday that he wants the Senate to add a provision authorizing him to impose tariffs on countries doing business with Iran, echoing the bill’s tariffs on purchasers of Russian oil and gas.

“I’d like them to add Iran as tariffs, not just as sanctions,” Mr. Trump said.

Some Democrats already have raised concerns that the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 would broaden Presidential authority to impose tariffs.

The Senate Tuesday night voted 86 to 12 on a procedural motion to bring the measure to the floor. Eleven of the 12 opponents were Democrats. The sole Republican voting against the bill was Sen. Rand Paul (Ky), who opposes all sanctions measures.

The vote came on the same day funeral services were held for the bill’s chief sponsor, the late Sen. Graham. Ukrainian President Zelenskyy watched the vote from the Senate gallery.