US-Israel-Iran War Live News: A fresh move from Washington has linked two major global flashpoints — the Russia-Ukraine conflict and rising tensions with Iran. US President Donald Trump has asked Republican lawmakers to add Iran to a proposed Russia sanctions bill, saying the expansion would match the vision of late Senator Lindsey Graham, who had strongly backed the legislation.
Trump made the announcement through his Truth Social account, arguing that Iran should become part of the broader sanctions framework designed to increase economic pressure on Russia and its supporters. The move comes at a time when Washington and Tehran remain locked in a tense standoff over Iran’s nuclear programme and regional activities.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Trump Links Iran Move With Lindsey Graham’s Sanctions Plan
Trump said Republicans should expand the existing legislation by including Iran in the sanctions package. Referring to Senator Lindsey Graham’s role in developing the bill, Trump wrote:
“Republicans must add Iran to the sanctions bill against Russia. This is what Lindsey Graham wanted, and it had to happen. Important!!!”
The proposed legislation, known as the Sanctioning Russia Act, was originally designed to increase pressure on Moscow by targeting countries that continue buying Russian energy products.
The bill gained momentum after Graham’s death, with lawmakers seeking to continue his efforts to pass tougher measures against Russia.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Russia Sanctions Bill Targets Moscow’s Energy Revenue
The sanctions proposal aims to reduce Russia’s earnings from oil and gas exports, which lawmakers say help finance Moscow’s war efforts in Ukraine. The revised version of the bill focuses on imposing tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy instead of applying a broad penalty on all countries.
The updated legislation proposes tariffs of up to 100% on imports from some major buyers of Russian oil and natural gas. It also includes measures targeting Russian officials, financial institutions, energy projects and vessels accused of helping Moscow bypass existing sanctions.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: India and China Remain Key Focus of US Sanctions Debate
India and China are among the world’s biggest buyers of Russian energy and have remained central to discussions around the sanctions bill. Earlier versions of the proposal included the possibility of much higher tariffs, but lawmakers later reduced the maximum penalty and narrowed the scope of the measures.
The revised bill also gives the US president flexibility to waive sanctions if they are considered necessary for American national interests.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: Trump Rejects Iran’s MoU Position Amid Nuclear Concerns
The latest sanctions push follows Trump’s remarks on Iran’s decision to stop following a US-Iran memorandum of understanding. The US President said he was not concerned about Tehran’s move and repeated that Washington’s main objective remained preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
The statement came as tensions between the two countries increased, with both sides facing pressure over military actions and diplomatic disagreements in the Middle East.
US-Israel-Iran War Live News: What Happens Next With the Russia-Iran Sanctions Proposal?
The inclusion of Iran in the Russia sanctions bill could broaden the scope of US economic pressure and increase diplomatic tensions with Tehran. Republican lawmakers will now decide whether to incorporate the proposed changes into the legislation.
If approved, the measure could become a wider sanctions tool targeting Russia’s energy network while also placing Iran under additional economic pressure.
The development marks another major shift in Washington’s foreign policy approach as the US attempts to address challenges from both Moscow and Tehran through economic restrictions.
