US Senate Passes Sanctions Package Targeting Russia and Iran

The US Senate has passed a bipartisan sanctions package aimed at tightening economic pressure on Russia and Iran. The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 authorises the US president to impose punitive tariffs and sanctions on countries that continue importing significant volumes of Russian oil and gas.

The bill, named in honour of late Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, marks a softer approach than earlier proposals with maximum tariffs lowered to 100% from 500%. The US administration has broad discretion to waive or modify penalties if deemed necessary for the national interest.

India could face pressure over its significant imports of Russian oil, which now account for a substantial share of India's crude imports. However, India would not automatically face tariffs under the bill, and any decision to enforce measures would likely consider the broader strategic partnership between Washington and New Delhi.