The Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026 is a comprehensive sanctions Act introduced in the U.S. Congress, designed to impose severe financial penalties on Russia and extend existing sanctions against Iran. The legislation originated from over a year of bipartisan work, championed by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, and was introduced in the House by Congresswoman Ann Wagner and Representative Michael McCaul on August 10, 2026, following its passage in the Senate on August 7, 2026, by an 86-11 vote. The Act was created to increase pressure on the Kremlin to end its war against Ukraine and to restrict funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors.
The Act works by holding major purchasers of Russian oil and gas accountable. Key provisions allow the U.S. President to impose tariffs of up to 100% on the top five purchasers of Russian oil or natural gas, though exceptions exist for countries importing less than 15% of their natural gas from Russia and taking "significant" steps to reduce imports. It also imposes sanctions and visa bans on Russian President Vladimir Putin, government officials, oligarchs, and Russian banks. The Act connects to and extends the Iran Sanctions Act. The legislation is a comprehensive package that targets Russia's banks, energy revenues, and the "shadow fleet" used for sanctions evasion. The Senate version of the bill was passed by an overwhelming bipartisan majority.