Trump Signs Russia-Iran Sanctions Law; 100% Tariff Threat Looms Over Countries Buying Russian Oil

New Delhi: US President Donald Trump has signed legislation expanding sanctions against Russia and Iran, giving the US administration the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that purchase Russian oil and gas.

The White House announced on Friday that Trump had signed the Lindsey O. Graham Russia and Iran Sanctions Act, 2026. The legislation authorizes additional sanctions, tariffs and restrictions targeting Russia, while also extending existing sanctions against Iran.

Trump to Decide Which Countries Face Tariffs

The US House of Representatives approved the legislation on Wednesday. Under the new law, the US President has the authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on countries that continue to purchase significant quantities of Russian energy.

The measure could affect major buyers of Russian oil and gas, including India and China. However, the law does not automatically impose a 100% tariff on any particular country. The decision on whether to impose tariffs, which countries would be targeted and the applicable tariff rate rests with the US President.

If a 100% tariff were imposed on Indian goods, Indian products entering the US market could become substantially more expensive. Such a move could increase costs for exporters and affect the competitiveness of Indian goods in the American market.

Legislation Named After Lindsey Graham

The legislation is named after the late South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham, who had worked on the proposal for more than a year.

The law expands measures targeting Russian officials and financial institutions and includes provisions aimed at Russia’s so-called “shadow fleet” of vessels involved in transporting Russian energy.

The legislation also strengthens the framework for sanctions against Russia and extends sanctions related to Iran.

India and China Among Countries Identified

The Senate version of the legislation had referred to the five largest purchasers of Russian oil and gas. During House consideration, Democratic Representative Steny Hoyer introduced an amendment that specifically identified 10 countries as major purchasers.

The countries named were India, China, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Hungary, Slovakia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan.

The legislation therefore gives the Trump administration a new mechanism to pressure countries that continue to purchase Russian energy. Whether the United States ultimately applies the maximum 100% tariff—and which countries would be affected—will depend on decisions made by the Trump administration.