The US Senate on Friday (August 7) approved a sweeping sanctions package aimed at cutting Russia's energy revenues and increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives. However, lawmakers are not expected to vote on the measure until at least early September because Congress is in its summer recess. The sanctions package targets Russian government officials, oligarchs, financial institutions and the so-called shadow fleet used to bypass restrictions on Russian oil exports.&nbsp;The bill also grants President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, including oil and natural gas. In addition, the legislation would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Supporters argue that reducing Russia's energy income is essential to limiting President Vladimir Putin's ability to finance the war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year.&nbsp;If enacted into law, the sanctions would also directly target Putin along with several senior Russian officials. The legislation has been named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 after spending more than a year building bipartisan support for the measure. Before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an agreement with the White House on a revised version of the bill. The updated proposal expanded existing sanctions authority designed to limit funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-appeals-court-halts-trump-s-400-million-white-house-ballroom-project-construction-1786120405850">US appeals court halts Trump's $400 million White House Ballroom project construction; Trump says, 'Will be appealing to US Supreme Court'</a>&nbsp;For Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who succeeded him in Congress, the bill carries both symbolic and strategic importance.“but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia's war machine.” Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the legislation would significantly increase pressure on Moscow."hits Russia's energy and financial sectors very hard."&nbsp;"Vladimir Putin only understands strength, and he only responds to pressure," Shaheen added. “This legislation represents our best opportunity to finally bring Russia's war machine to its knees and to force Putin to the negotiating table.” Russia's embassy in the United States criticized the legislation, arguing that it "does the current US administration a disservice."&nbsp;Meanwhile, Russia is also facing increased economic pressure from Europe. Last month, the European Union approved its 21st package of sanctions against Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest EU measures focus on freezing the oil price cap to prevent Russia from benefiting from rising global oil prices linked to the conflict involving Iran. According to diplomats, Greece secured an exemption allowing its shipping companies to continue transporting Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic, clearing the way for the sanctions package to move forward.&nbsp;The EU sanctions also expand restrictions on Russia's financial sector and cryptocurrency firms while adding dozens of Russian officials to its blacklist over the war. However, a proposed broad visa ban against Russian nationals was ultimately removed from the final package.

The US Senate passes a major Russia sanctions bill targeting energy exports, banks and officials while allowing tariffs on Russian imports and countries purchasing Russian oil and gas

The US Senate on Friday (August 7) approved a sweeping sanctions package aimed at cutting Russia's energy revenues and increasing economic pressure on Moscow over its ongoing war in Ukraine. The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives. However, lawmakers are not expected to vote on the measure until at least early September because Congress is in its summer recess. The sanctions package targets Russian government officials, oligarchs, financial institutions and the so-called shadow fleet used to bypass restrictions on Russian oil exports. The bill also grants President Donald Trump the authority to impose tariffs of up to 500% on Russian imports, including oil and natural gas. In addition, the legislation would allow Trump to impose tariffs of up to 100% on goods imported from countries that continue purchasing significant amounts of Russian oil and gas, including China and India. Supporters argue that reducing Russia's energy income is essential to limiting President Vladimir Putin's ability to finance the war in Ukraine, which has now entered its fifth year. If enacted into law, the sanctions would also directly target Putin along with several senior Russian officials. The legislation has been named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who died on July 11 after spending more than a year building bipartisan support for the measure. Before his death, Graham announced that he had reached an agreement with the White House on a revised version of the bill. The updated proposal expanded existing sanctions authority designed to limit funding for Iran's energy and weapons sectors. Also Read: US appeals court halts Trump's $400 million White House Ballroom project construction; Trump says, 'Will be appealing to US Supreme Court' For Graham's sister, Darline Graham, who succeeded him in Congress, the bill carries both symbolic and strategic importance. “but will also promote peace by cutting off the funding fueling Russia's war machine.” Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen, a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said the legislation would significantly increase pressure on Moscow. "hits Russia's energy and financial sectors very hard." "Vladimir Putin only understands strength, and he only responds to pressure," Shaheen added. “This legislation represents our best opportunity to finally bring Russia's war machine to its knees and to force Putin to the negotiating table.” Russia's embassy in the United States criticized the legislation, arguing that it "does the current US administration a disservice." Meanwhile, Russia is also facing increased economic pressure from Europe. Last month, the European Union approved its 21st package of sanctions against Moscow since Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The latest EU measures focus on freezing the oil price cap to prevent Russia from benefiting from rising global oil prices linked to the conflict involving Iran. According to diplomats, Greece secured an exemption allowing its shipping companies to continue transporting Russian liquefied natural gas from the Arctic, clearing the way for the sanctions package to move forward. The EU sanctions also expand restrictions on Russia's financial sector and cryptocurrency firms while adding dozens of Russian officials to its blacklist over the war. However, a proposed broad visa ban against Russian nationals was ultimately removed from the final package.

The US Senate approved sweeping sanctions targeting Russia's energy sector, officials and finances, while allowing tough tariffs on Russian imports and countries buying Russian oil

US Senate passes sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill targeting energy revenue

A video clip of an Iranian state TV anchor congratulating the people of Iran over the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, on Sunday has gone viral. Senator Lindsey Graham died following a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday.&nbsp;In the viral clip, the anchor can be heard using terms such as ‘warmongering’ and ‘anti-Iranian’ for Graham.“I congratulate the great nation of Iran on Lindsey Graham, the warmongering, anti-Iranian, US senator, being sent to hell,” said the anchor on Iranian state TV, in a video shared by Iran International on X.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-election-to-take-place-on-oct-27-netanyahu-govt-to-complete-its-full-term-1783870352345">Israel election to take place on Oct 27; Netanyahu govt to complete its full term</a>&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Iranian state TV aired a message on Sunday congratulating viewers after the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, describing him as “warmongering.” <a href="https://t.co/PImewLxwoy">pic.twitter.com/PImewLxwoy</a>&mdash; Iran International English (@IranIntl_En) <a href="https://x.com/IranIntl_En/status/2076262908720259488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 12, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.x.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The veracity of the video clip could not be independently confirmed.&nbsp;<h2>Graham was ‘friend’ of Israel, pushed for war on Iran</h2>&nbsp;Graham was a staunch supporter of Israel and advocated for strong US-Israel ties throughout his Senate career. A close ally of Trump, he had supported the Iran war and was also a major backer of Trump’s judicial appointments, immigration policies, and much of his foreign policy agenda.&nbsp;Soon after his death, Trump mourned and posted on his social media, “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! DETAILS AND ARRANGEMENTS TO FOLLOW. So sad!”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/strait-of-hormuz-more-important-deterrent-than-dozens-of-atomic-bombs-will-protect-it-khamenei-adviser-1783854686958">Strait of Hormuz ‘more important deterrent’ than dozens of atomic bombs, will protect it: Khamenei adviser</a>&nbsp;The senator had just returned from Ukraine and announced an agreement on Friday with the Trump administration to move forward on a package of Russia sanctions.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned Graham’s death, calling him “a great friend of Israel” and “a cherished friend of mine.”&nbsp;Netanyahu said Graham understood that the security of Israel and the US was inseparable and devoted his life to defending America, strengthening the US-Israel alliance and standing up for the free world.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vietnam-police-detain-captain-of-speedboat-that-capsized-killing-15-indian-tourists-1783858338468">Vietnam Police detain captain of speedboat that capsized killing 15 Indian tourists</a>&nbsp;“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu said.&nbsp;South Carolina-born Graham was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994 before winning election to the Senate in 2002. He took office as senator in January 2003 and was seeking another term this year.He also served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/karnataka-transport-minister-on-surprise-inspection-told-to-get-off-bmtc-bus-for-not-having-change-1783864585001">Karnataka transport minister on surprise inspection told to get off BMTC bus for not having change</a>&nbsp;Graham, who was a lawyer by training, also served in the US Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring with the rank of colonel.&nbsp;Graham was also one of Israel’s strongest supporters in the US Congress and a vocal backer of military action against Iran.&nbsp;Graham, a leading advocate of a hawkish US foreign policy, died unexpectedly at the age of 71, his office announced on Sunday.

Senator Lindsey Graham was a staunch supporter of Israel and advocated for strong US-Israel ties. A close ally of Donald Trump, he had supported the Iran War and was also a major backer of judicial appointments, immigration policies, and much of his foreign policy agenda.

A video clip of an Iranian state TV anchor congratulating the people of Iran over the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, a close ally of US President Donald Trump, on Sunday has gone viral. Senator Lindsey Graham died following a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday. In the viral clip, the anchor can be heard using terms such as ‘warmongering’ and ‘anti-Iranian’ for Graham. “I congratulate the great nation of Iran on Lindsey Graham, the warmongering, anti-Iranian, US senator, being sent to hell,” said the anchor on Iranian state TV, in a video shared by Iran International on X. Also Read: Israel election to take place on Oct 27; Netanyahu govt to complete its full term

Senator Lindsey Graham was a staunch supporter of Israel and advocated for strong US-Israel ties. A close ally of Donald Trump, he had supported the Iran War and was also a major backer of judicial appointments, immigration policies, and much of his foreign policy agenda.

‘Lindsey Graham sent to hell’: Iranian state TV anchor congratulates citizens on Senator’s death

US Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly questioned Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator in the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis, citing what he described as Islamabad’s longstanding hostility toward Israel and its close ties with Tehran. In a post on X, Graham said it had become ‘apparent’ to him that Pakistan acting as a mediator was 'more than problematic', pointing to reports of Iranian military aircraft allegedly being housed on Pakistani air bases and recalling anti-Israel remarks made by senior Pakistani officials.&nbsp;&nbsp;In a post on X, he wrote, “It has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long-standing. It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases and past rhetoric from the highest Pakistani officials against Israel is disturbing. As to the defense minister’s comments about the Abraham Accords, saying that Pakistan would never join because they don’t trust Israel: The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh. In that regard, it is imperative that Pakistan give an answer now to President Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords.”&nbsp;The Republican senator also referenced past comments by Pakistan’s defence minister regarding the Abraham Accords, in which he reportedly said Pakistan would never join the normalisation framework because it does not trust Israel. “The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh,” Graham wrote, before urging Pakistan to respond to President Donald Trump’s recent call for more Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-attacks-fake-news-media-and-democrats-says-dumacrats-and-media-have-totally-lost-their-way-1779828272975">Trump attacks 'fake news media' and Democrats, says ‘Dumacrats and media have totally lost their way’</a>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">It has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long standing. It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases and past rhetoric from the highest… <a href="https://t.co/ksLqpw4ZQ4">https://t.co/ksLqpw4ZQ4</a>&mdash; Lindsey Graham (@LindseyGrahamSC) <a href="https://twitter.com/LindseyGrahamSC/status/2059381840742699270?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Trump has in recent days intensified efforts to expand the Abraham Accords as part of a broader diplomatic push linked to a potential US-Iran agreement and post-war regional settlement. Reports suggest the US president has urged countries including Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt and Turkey to consider normalization with Israel. The remarks come at a sensitive moment in Middle East diplomacy, with Washington attempting to balance ceasefire negotiations with Iran while simultaneously encouraging regional recognition of Israel. Graham, one of Trump’s closest allies on foreign policy, has emerged as a vocal supporter of tying any future Iran agreement to a wider expansion of the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-twin-attacks-in-kwara-state-at-least-10-abducted-by-bandits-1779803190325/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/nigeria-twin-attacks-in-kwara-state-at-least-10-abducted-by-bandits-1779803190325/embed</a>&nbsp;Pakistan has historically refused to recognize Israel, maintaining that normalization cannot happen without the establishment of an independent Palestinian state. Islamabad has also repeatedly condemned Israeli military operations in Gaza and maintained diplomatic support for Iran during recent regional tensions. Graham’s comments are likely to further complicate Pakistan’s attempts to position itself as a diplomatic bridge in the ongoing crisis, particularly as Islamabad has recently engaged in ceasefire and backchannel diplomacy involving Tehran and Washington.

US Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s role as a mediator in the Iran-Israel conflict and urged Islamabad to respond to Donald Trump’s push for joining the Abraham Accords

US Senator Lindsey Graham has publicly questioned Pakistan’s credibility as a mediator in the ongoing Iran-Israel crisis, citing what he described as Islamabad’s longstanding hostility toward Israel and its close ties with Tehran. In a post on X, Graham said it had become ‘apparent’ to him that Pakistan acting as a mediator was 'more than problematic', pointing to reports of Iranian military aircraft allegedly being housed on Pakistani air bases and recalling anti-Israel remarks made by senior Pakistani officials. In a post on X, he wrote, “It has been apparent to me for quite a while that Pakistan as a mediator is more than problematic. Their animosity towards Israel is long-standing. It is undeniable that Iranian military aircraft are being housed on Pakistani air bases and past rhetoric from the highest Pakistani officials against Israel is disturbing. As to the defense minister’s comments about the Abraham Accords, saying that Pakistan would never join because they don’t trust Israel: The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh. In that regard, it is imperative that Pakistan give an answer now to President Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords.” The Republican senator also referenced past comments by Pakistan’s defence minister regarding the Abraham Accords, in which he reportedly said Pakistan would never join the normalisation framework because it does not trust Israel. “The clip may be a year old, but I fear the sentiment is fresh,” Graham wrote, before urging Pakistan to respond to President Donald Trump’s recent call for more Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords. Also Read: Trump attacks 'fake news media' and Democrats, says ‘Dumacrats and media have totally lost their way’

Senator Lindsey Graham questioned Pakistan’s neutrality and urged Islamabad to answer Trump’s call to join the Abraham Accords

‘Pakistan must answer now’: Lindsey Graham questions Islamabad's role as mediator, backs Trump’s Abraham Accords push

senator-lindsey-graham

Senator Lindsey Graham, News on Senator Lindsey Graham, stories on Senator Lindsey Graham, articles on Senator Lindsey Graham, Senator Lindsey Graham stories at Wion, Senator Lindsey Graham news, Senator Lindsey Graham latest news

senator lindsey-graham

US Senate passes sweeping Russia Sanctions Bill targeting energy revenue

‘Lindsey Graham sent to hell’: Iranian TV anchor cheers citizens on Sen’s death

Graham questions Pakistan's role as mediator, backs Trump’s Abraham Accords push