Washington, D.C. | July 15, 2026
Trump Russia Sanctions Bill could be broadened to include Iran and Hezbollah, according to US President Donald Trump, who said lawmakers are considering expanding the scope of proposed legislation originally designed to impose tougher sanctions on Russia.
Speaking during a meeting at the White House with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, Trump said discussions are underway about widening the sanctions package. However, he emphasized that no decision has yet been made regarding proposals involving India, China, or other countries that continue to engage with Russia’s energy sector.
The proposed legislation has been closely associated with the late Senator Lindsey Graham, who was a leading advocate of stronger sanctions against Moscow.
Trump Suggests Iran and Hezbollah Could Be Added
Responding to questions from reporters, Trump said lawmakers are exploring whether the legislation should go beyond Russia and also target Iran and Hezbollah.
“I know Lindsey wanted this very much,” Trump said, referring to the late senator’s longstanding support for stronger sanctions.
The President added that lawmakers are discussing the possibility of including Iran, describing it as “a very big step.”
Trump also indicated that Hezbollah could be brought under the same legislative framework if Congress moves forward with the proposal.
He stressed that discussions are ongoing and that no final legislative language has yet been approved.
Proposal Seen as Tribute to Lindsey Graham
Trump said expanding the sanctions package is being considered in part as a way to honor Lindsey Graham, whom he described as one of the strongest advocates for taking tougher action against Russia.
According to Trump, sanctions legislation was one of Graham’s top legislative priorities.
“This was his biggest issue. He wanted it more than almost anything else,” Trump said.
The President added that there is “a good chance” the proposal could ultimately move forward.
No Decision Yet on India and China
Trump was also asked whether the legislation would include secondary sanctions affecting countries such as India and China that continue purchasing Russian energy.
He responded that no decision has been made on that aspect of the proposal.
According to Trump, discussions regarding secondary sanctions involving India, China, and other countries have not yet taken place, and any future decision would depend on further consultations.
His remarks come amid ongoing debate in Washington over how broadly the proposed sanctions should be applied.
White House Meeting Focused on Middle East Security
Trump made the comments during bilateral talks with Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi, where the two leaders discussed regional security, Iraq, Iran, and broader Middle East developments.
During the meeting, Trump argued that Iran’s regional influence has weakened significantly.
He also expressed confidence that the Middle East is moving toward greater regional cooperation.
According to Trump, Iran had previously exercised considerable influence across the region but has seen its military capabilities substantially reduced.
Russia Sanctions Bill Still Under Discussion
The proposed legislation remains under consideration in Congress and has not yet been enacted into law.
If approved by lawmakers, the bill would still need to:
- Pass both chambers of Congress.
- Receive the President’s signature before becoming law.
Lawmakers continue to discuss the final scope of the legislation, including whether additional entities or countries should be included.
At this stage, Iran and Hezbollah are being considered for inclusion, while proposals involving India, China, and other nations remain undecided.
What Comes Next?
Congressional negotiations are expected to continue in the coming weeks as lawmakers refine the final version of the sanctions package.
Any expansion of the legislation would depend on bipartisan support and the final language approved by both the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Until then, the proposal remains under active discussion, and no final decisions have been announced regarding secondary sanctions or additional entities.
