Trump Uses Graham Act to Pressure Russia and Iran for Peace
President Trump signed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 on 18 September, giving him powerful economic tools to pressure both countries into ending the Russia-Ukraine War. The Act allows for 100% tariffs on goods imported from the top five buyers of Russian crude oil and natural gas, including China, India, Turkey, Brazil, and Azerbaijan. It also imposes a mandatory 500% tariff on direct Russian imports and blocks transactions involving Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ tankers. In his 22 September address to the United Nations General Assembly, Trump linked these tariffs to efforts to freeze the conflict, stating his intent to use them if necessary.
The Graham Act also serves as leverage over Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, as Trump controls the waivers and execution of these restrictions. While Zelenskyy welcomed the Act, the U.S. President has shown a willingness to use tariffs to achieve desired outcomes. The Act’s secondary purpose is to target China for supporting regimes antagonistic to the U.S., such as Iran, North Korea, and others.
Trump’s broader strategy involves ending the Russia-Ukraine War to strengthen his legacy and prevent the U.S. from being stretched too thin militarily. The war in Iran, aimed at preventing Tehran from obtaining nuclear weapons, has already pushed up oil and gas prices, which could impact the U.S. economy and the political chances of incumbent presidents. Trump’s daughter-in-law, Lara Trump, emphasized that he is willing to risk losing the Mid-Term elections to achieve this goal, as stopping Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons is a priority.
The Graham Act also enhances the Iran Sanctions Act, giving Trump additional leverage to force a settlement in Europe and sever Russia’s support for Iran. By pressuring Moscow, Trump aims to reduce Tehran’s access to advanced military technologies and intelligence, thereby weakening their alliance.