Overview
- Trump said any country doing business with Russia will be “very severely sanctioned” and suggested Iran could be included.
- Legislation led by Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal would allow tariffs of up to 500% on imports from nations that buy Russian oil and gas, explicitly targeting major buyers such as China and India.
- Sponsors say roughly 85 senators back the Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025, while Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not set a vote.
- The administration has already doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50% tied to Russian oil purchases and announced sanctions on Rosneft and Lukoil set to take effect on November 21.
- Reports indicate the proposal covers oil, natural gas, petroleum products and uranium, with experts warning of market disruption, legal challenges and diplomatic fallout if it advances.