President Donald Trump has enacted a new law expanding sanctions against Russia and extending existing sanctions on Iran. This legislation, signed on September 18, empowers the president to impose tariffs on countries that continue to purchase Russian energy or assist Moscow in circumventing sanctions.
The law targets Russian officials and financial networks linked to the country’s military initiatives. It also aims to curb Russia’s ability to generate revenue from its oil and gas exports, a significant source of income for the nation. Under the new regulations, tariffs of up to 100% can be levied on countries buying Russian energy, with discretionary power granted to the president regarding which nations are affected and potential waivers.
The legislation received bipartisan support in the House of Representatives before reaching the president’s desk. The White House highlighted that the law strengthens sanction and tariff measures against Russia while continuing sanctions on Iran, reinforcing the U.S. stance on these geopolitical issues.
Countries that are major buyers of Russian energy, such as India and China, could face significant impacts depending on the U.S. administration’s implementation of these measures. This legislative move marks a continued effort by the United States to apply economic pressure on Russia and Iran as part of its foreign policy strategy.