U.S. President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5334 into law on Friday, a measure that prolongs the existing sanctions regime against Iran until 2031. The legislation, titled the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, also expands the scope of sanctions, tariffs and other prohibitions directed at Russia.
According to a White House release, the act authorises additional statutory sanctions and tariff measures against Russia while extending the current Iranian sanctions framework, which was set to expire in 2026. The new provisions increase the range of economic and financial restrictions that American entities must observe when dealing with the two countries.
The extension of Iran sanctions comes amid Tehran's condemnation of the move, with Iranian officials describing the heightened measures as "economic terrorism." The language reflects ongoing tensions over the United States' policy toward Iran's nuclear program and regional activities, which have been the subject of multiple sanction regimes over the past decade.
The legislation also targets Russia, adding to a series of U.S. actions that have sought to curb Moscow's economic capabilities in response to its foreign policy conduct. While the specific new tariffs and prohibitions were not detailed in the announcement, the act signals a continuation of a broader strategy to apply economic pressure on both nations.
The bill bears the name of the late Senator Lindsey O. Graham, a prominent advocate for a hardline stance toward both Iran and Russia during his tenure in Congress. Graham's supporters highlighted his role in shaping U.S. policy toward these countries, and the naming of the act serves as a posthumous acknowledgment of his influence.
The extension of sanctions to 2031 ensures that the United States will maintain a legal framework for restricting Iranian economic activity for the next five years, barring any future legislative changes. Analysts note that the move may affect international businesses and financial institutions that engage with Iranian or Russian markets, requiring compliance with the updated rules.
The act's passage underscores the administration's commitment to a sustained pressure campaign on Tehran and Moscow, aligning with broader U.S. foreign policy objectives aimed at countering perceived threats to regional stability and global security.
Reporting attribution: based on reporting by Middle East Eye — original source: https://www.middleeasteye.net/live-blog/live-blog-update/trump-signs-lindsey-graham-act-extending-iran-sanctions-2031.