Russia and Iran Sanctions: Trump Signs Law Allowing Tariffs of Up to 100% on Major Russian Energy Buyers

Russia and Iran sanctions entered a new phase after U.S. President Donald Trump signed H.R. 5334 into law, expanding Washington’s tools to pressure Moscow over the war in Ukraine while extending existing sanctions on Iran.

The White House confirmed that Trump signed the legislation on September 18, 2026, saying it authorizes and expands statutory sanctions, tariffs and prohibitions targeting Russia and extends existing measures on Iran.

Russia and Iran Sanctions: What Does the New Law Do?

The legislation focuses heavily on Russia’s energy revenues, defense sector and the network of oil tankers commonly described by Western governments as Moscow’s shadow fleet.

Reuters reported that the law gives the president authority to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods from the five largest buyers of Russian oil and gas and on major facilitators of sanctions evasion.

The tariffs are not automatically imposed at 100% when the law takes effect. The administration retains significant discretion over whether, when and at what level the new powers are used.

Pressure on Major Buyers of Russian Oil

The legislation increases pressure on countries that have continued purchasing significant quantities of Russian energy despite Western sanctions.

India has publicly warned that punitive U.S. tariffs linked to its purchases of Russian oil could damage bilateral economic ties and undermine its energy-security strategy.

China, another major market for Russian crude, could also become central to future U.S. decisions on how the tariff powers are applied.

Profile News previously covered U.S. pressure over purchases of Russian fuel and discussions involving Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy.

Russia’s Energy Sector and Shadow Fleet

The new law also targets Russia’s energy and defense sectors and vessels accused of helping Moscow move crude outside the Western sanctions and insurance system.

Washington and its allies argue that reducing Russian energy revenues would limit Moscow’s ability to finance its war in Ukraine.

Russia rejects Western sanctions and says it has successfully redirected much of its trade toward Asian and other markets.

What Changes for Iran?

The law also extends existing sanctions on Iran at a time when Washington is increasing economic pressure on Tehran’s financial, energy and shipping networks.

The legislation comes amid the continuing U.S.-Iran conflict and international disputes over Tehran’s nuclear program and sanctions enforcement.

Profile News recently covered the Russia-China veto and dispute over monitoring sanctions on Iran.

Do 100% Tariffs Take Effect Immediately?

No. The law authorizes tariffs of up to 100%, but it does not automatically impose that rate on every major buyer of Russian oil or gas.

Reuters reported that the measure gives the president broad discretion in selecting targets and determining the size and duration of tariffs.

The provision could therefore become part of wider trade negotiations with major economies rather than an automatic across-the-board penalty.

Its potential impact on energy markets could nevertheless be significant. A sharp reduction in Russian oil purchases by major importing countries could redirect global crude flows and increase demand for alternative supplies.

Ukraine Welcomes New Pressure on Moscow

Ukraine welcomed Trump’s signature, with Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha saying the measure would increase pressure on Moscow and those supporting its war effort.

The practical effect of the legislation will now depend heavily on how aggressively the White House uses the new authorities, especially its power to impose secondary tariffs on countries buying Russian energy.

Report Sources: The White House, Reuters.