President Donald Trump is urging Republicans to add Iran-related measures to a pending Russia sanctions bill, potentially delaying its passage.
Key facts
- •The bill targets the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas with tariffs of up to 100%.
- •Senator Lindsey Graham died on July 11, shortly after claiming the bill had White House support.
- •The legislation has been stuck in Congress since April 2025.
- •President Trump first suggested including Iran and Hezbollah in the sanctions as early as July 14.
- •The current bill allows the president to waive sanctions if he provides a justification to Congress.
U.S. President Donald Trump called on the Republican Party on July 19 to include sanctions against Iran in a long-delayed bill targeting Russian energy revenues. The legislation, originally spearheaded by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to impose tariffs on top buyers of Russian oil and gas. Trump's request signals a potential hurdle for the bill, which had previously secured enough support to overcome a Senate filibuster.
By the numbers
Legislative Status and Content
The current version of the bill proposes tariffs of up to 100% on the top five buyers of Russian energy. It is a scaled-down version of an earlier proposal that sought a 500% tariff on all buyers. The legislation also includes a provision allowing the president to waive sanctions if the decision is justified to Congress.
Political Reactions
Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11, had previously stated he secured White House backing for the bill, which has been stalled in Congress since April 2025. Following Trump's call to include Iran and Hezbollah in the sanctions, Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal argued against reopening the bill, suggesting that new proposals should be handled through separate legislation.
Timeline
- April 2025The Russia sanctions bill was first introduced in Congress.
- July 11Senator Lindsey Graham died.
- July 14President Trump first suggested including Iran and Hezbollah in the sanctions.
- July 19President Trump publicly called on Republicans to add Iran to the bill.
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This article was independently rewritten by ManyPress editorial AI from reporting originally published by Kyiv Independent.
