Trump Seeks Changes to Russia Sanctions Bill, Wants Authority to Impose Tariffs on Iran

U.S. President Donald Trump has called for changes to a Senate-backed Russia sanctions bill, saying it should also grant him broad authority to impose tariffs on Iranian goods.

The legislation, which recently cleared an initial procedural stage in the U.S. Senate, aims to increase economic pressure on Russia over its war in Ukraine. If enacted, the bill could expose countries that continue purchasing Russian products—including India—to tariffs of up to 100 percent on certain exports.

The bill was drafted by the late Senator Lindsey Graham and is designed to target countries maintaining significant trade with Russia. India, the world's second-largest importer of Russian crude oil after China, is among the nations that could be affected.

Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump said lawmakers should revise the legislation to expand its scope beyond sanctions on Russia.

“To be honest, it shouldn’t have been necessary,” Trump said. “But if it is needed, I want them to include tariffs on Iran, not just sanctions. I think that’s very important, and Lindsey wanted that as well.”

Trump’s proposed amendment could delay the bill’s progress to the House of Representatives and postpone its final approval as lawmakers consider the requested changes.

The proposed legislation is intended to intensify economic pressure on Moscow, while Trump’s suggested revisions would broaden the president’s authority to use tariffs as a tool against Iran.