Story perspectives

Senate Passes Graham Bill Sanctioning Russia, Extending Iran Restrictions

7/29/2026

Summary

Story summary

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran sanctions bill, 86-12.
The bill sanctions Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and the shadow fleet and extends Iran sanctions through 2031.
It lets the president impose up to 100% tariffs on the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and 500% duties on Russian imports.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the vote and Graham’s funeral while Democratic senators warned the tariff authority gives executive discretion.

History

Historical Context

In 2014 Congress passed the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, championed by Senator Bob Menendez, freezing $1.5 billion of Oleg Deripaska’s assets and barring 30 Russian banks after Russia’s annexation of Crimea. The law introduced secondary sanctions administered by OFAC and BIS, a tool the Graham-GOP proposal now expands with 100% tariffs on top oil buyers and Iran sanctions through 2031.

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Story summary

The U.S. Senate passed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia-Iran sanctions bill, 86-12.
The bill sanctions Russian officials, oligarchs, banks and the shadow fleet and extends Iran sanctions through 2031.
It lets the president impose up to 100% tariffs on the five biggest buyers of Russian oil and 500% duties on Russian imports.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy attended the vote and Graham’s funeral while Democratic senators warned the tariff authority gives executive discretion.

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