Trump Extends US Sanctions on Iran Through 2031 While Maintaining Measures Against Russia
Photo: Collected
US President Donald Trump has signed legislation extending existing sanctions against Iran for an additional five years through 2031, while also providing mechanisms to increase restrictions, tariffs, and other punitive measures against Russia.
According to a White House statement, Trump signed House Resolution 5334, formally titled the Lindsay O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, on Friday. While the legislation creates pathways to escalate pressure on Moscow, it specifically extends the lifespan of the 1996 Iran Sanctions Act, which was otherwise scheduled to expire this year.
Although the new measure does not introduce fresh sanctions against Tehran, it empowers the United States to take action through 2031 against foreign individuals and entities engaging with Iran's energy sector. Covered transactions include the purchase, transport, financing, and insurance of petroleum, as well as investments in Iranian petroleum projects.
In response, Tehran has condemned the renewed and stringent US restrictions as economic terrorism.
China remains the largest buyer of Iranian crude, with US Treasury Department data indicating that roughly 90 percent of Iran's total oil exports are directed to China. Previously, the US penalized oil traders, shipping firms, and tanker operators based in the United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, and India for facilitating the sale and transport of Iranian oil.
Under the penalties, targeted individuals and entities face the freezing of US-based assets, blocks on accessing American financial institutions, and prohibitions on dollar-denominated transactions. This decision ensures that foreign companies and financial institutions maintaining business ties with Iran will face the persistent risk of indirect US sanctions through 2031.
The legislation is named after Republican Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away last July. Graham was a vocal advocate and promoter of the US-Israeli conflict against Iran and Israel's military campaign in Gaza, and he had actively worked to secure the passage of the act.
