US signs new legislation expanding sanctions on Russia and Iran

The United States has enacted new legislation that broadens the scope of economic pressure on Russia and extends current sanctions on Iran. On 18 September 2026, the US President signed H.R. 5334, formally titled the "Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026," into law. The move represents a significant institutional shift, moving from executive actions to statutory authorisation for a wider range of prohibitions and tariffs.

According to the White House, the act authorises and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs, and prohibitions specifically targeting Russia. This legislative step follows the US House’s approval of a bipartisan Russia sanctions bill on 17 September 2026, which had already authorised proposed tariffs on countries purchasing Russian oil. The new law consolidates these measures into a permanent statutory framework, providing a clearer legal basis for enforcement.

The legislation also extends existing sanctions on Iran, although the White House statement did not detail the specific new components of this extension. By grouping both nations under a single act, the US administration signals a coordinated approach to geopolitical leverage, linking the economic consequences of the Russia-Ukraine conflict with ongoing tensions involving Iran.

The timing of the signing is notable, occurring just one day after the House vote. India had warned on 17 September that proposed tariffs of up to 100 per cent on countries buying Russian oil could affect bilateral ties and global energy markets. The enactment of H.R. 5334 now makes these proposed tariffs a matter of law, potentially influencing energy procurement strategies for major importers.

Western sanctions were originally imposed in February 2022 following Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. The new act builds upon that foundation, expanding the toolkit available to the US government. By shifting from temporary measures to statutory law, the legislation aims to ensure that sanctions remain in effect regardless of future administrative changes.

The White House released the announcement on 18 September 2026, confirming the President’s signature on the bill. The act’s dual focus on Russia and Iran suggests a strategic intent to maintain pressure on both fronts simultaneously. As the new law takes effect, the focus will likely turn to how the expanded prohibitions and tariffs are implemented in practice.