President Donald Trump urged lawmakers on Sunday, July 19, 2026, to include Iran in a bipartisan sanctions bill that targets countries buying Russian oil and natural gas. The legislation, supported by over 60 senators from both parties and originally sponsored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham, seeks to impose mandatory sanctions on Russia, its allies, and buyers of Russian energy.

The White House has advocated expanding the bill’s scope to also sanction Iran and Hezbollah, a militant proxy group backed by Tehran. House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, a Texas Republican, announced plans to introduce a House version of the bill on Monday, July 20, 2026. Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," he expressed optimism that the bill could pass as early as this week, stating, "Nothing would honor Lindsey’s legacy greater than Congress passing this sanctions bill because he knew to be strong at home you had to project strength abroad."

McCaul emphasized that the bill would not only penalize Russia and its energy exports but also impact Iran and China. Given the U.S. dollar's central role in global transactions, the sanctions are expected to have significant financial consequences for the targeted entities.

The bill comes amid ongoing geopolitical challenges following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which has led to extensive sanctions and international responses.

Sources