Trump signs Graham’s "sanctions from hell" bill targeting Russia, Iran

US President Donald Trump has signed into law the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s “sanctions from hell” bill, expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran and giving the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that buy Russian oil and gas.

The White House said Trump signed the Lindsey Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act of 2026 on 18 September, authorising additional sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia while extending existing sanctions on Iran.

The law also gives the US president the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas, potentially increasing pressure on states that continue to trade with Moscow.

The legislation was named after Graham, who had advocated tougher restrictions on Russia. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy welcomed Trump's signing of the bill, thanking the US president, senators and members of the House of Representatives for supporting it.

Zelenskyy recalled Graham's calls for continued pressure on Russia, including sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil, provide financial services to Moscow or maintain business ties with companies linked to the Russian government.

He said the legislation should be implemented fully and swiftly, describing this as the best way to honour Graham's memory.

“Peace comes through strength. Calm comes through security. And the best guarantee of security is resolve,” Zelenskyy said.

By Aghakazim Guliyev