New Sanctions: US Imposes 100% Tariff on Russian Oil
US President Donald Trump has signed a bill containing new sanctions against Russia. The legislation also includes an extension of sanctions against Iran.
The bill is named the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026. The name of the regulation was chosen in honour of the late Republican politician Lindsey O. Graham.
According to Anadolu Agency and AFP on Saturday (19/9/2026), the bill was signed by Trump on Friday (18/9) local time. The law includes sanctions targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, and other Russian entities, as well as measures regulating Russia’s energy and trade sectors.
The law also extends the validity of the Iran Sanctions Act of 1996 by five years, moving its expiry date from 2026 to 2031.
What are the details of the latest US sanctions on Russia?
The legislation targets Russia’s energy and defence sectors, as well as President Vladimir Putin and other high-ranking officials. The rules also target what is described as Moscow’s ‘shadow fleet’ of tankers used to evade Western sanctions.
Under this regulation, the United States will apply tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries that purchase oil and gas from Russia. This move could potentially include China and India, strengthening efforts to cut off the revenue streams funding Moscow’s war.
The Republican-led House of Representatives passed the package of regulations with a vote of 262 to 159 on Wednesday.
The bill will also target companies and foreign parties supporting the Russian military, while expanding sanctions involving Iran.
However, the broad authority to impose tariffs has triggered rare divisions within the Democratic Party. While they generally support Ukraine, they are reluctant to grant broader trade powers to Trump.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky previously stated that the passage of the law holds symbolic significance and expressed his gratitude to US lawmakers.
Meanwhile, the Indian government stated on Thursday (17/9) that it would continue to purchase oil ‘through the diversification of supply sources.’
Trump’s signing of the bill comes one week before his scheduled meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Washington.