Key facts
- President Donald Trump called for Iran to be included in a sanctions bill targeting Russia.
- The bill, previously supported by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to impose tariffs on Russian energy buyers.
- A bipartisan group of senators recently revised the bill.
- The legislation has enough support to overcome a Senate filibuster.
- Senator Richard Blumenthal expressed a desire to move forward with the bill as is.
U.S. President Donald Trump has called on the Republican Party to incorporate measures against Iran into a sanctions bill targeting Russia, potentially delaying its passage. The revised bill, led by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, aims to reduce Russia's wartime revenues by imposing significant tariffs on the top five buyers of Russian oil and gas.
The legislation has garnered sufficient support to pass a Senate filibuster. Graham had reportedly secured White House backing for the bill prior to his death on July 11. Trump's recent comments suggest he desires further amendments, specifically the inclusion of Iran and its proxy Hezbollah, before giving the bill his full endorsement.
However, some lawmakers supporting the bill, like Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, have urged moving forward with the current version, stating that other proposals could be considered separately. The existing legislation is a more limited version of an initial proposal that sought a 500% tariff on all Russian energy buyers. It also includes a provision allowing the president to waive sanctions with justification to Congress.
Trump's remarks come in the wake of a ceasefire collapse with Iran, which has intensified conflict and impacted global energy markets.