House Passes Sweeping Sanctions on Iran and Russia, Sending Bill to Trump
The U.S. House of Representatives approved a long-awaited bipartisan sanctions package targeting Russia and Iran on Wednesday, sending the legislation to President Donald Trump’s desk for his signature. The move marks a major bipartisan win ahead of the midterm elections and represents the most significant Ukraine-related legislation passed by Congress since Trump returned to the White House in January 2025. The bill seeks to impose both primary and secondary sanctions against Russia, as well as any other country supporting the Kremlin’s war efforts in Ukraine.
The package was carefully crafted to win over the White House, which had expressed concerns about mandating the president to impose sanctions while peace deal negotiations continue. To secure the president’s support, the bill includes provisions allowing him to impose targeted tariffs on countries that purchase the majority of Russian oil or gas. This flexibility was crucial in gaining the administration’s backing, according to sources familiar with the negotiations. The legislation also includes additional sanctions on Iran, broadening its scope beyond the conflict in Ukraine.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has repeatedly backed the legislation, saying this week that it was important for the bill to become law. His support underscores the bill’s significance for U.S. allies in the region. The House’s passage of the package is a major step in U.S. efforts to hold Russia accountable for its aggression and to counter Iran’s destabilizing activities. It now awaits President Trump’s approval, which would cement a rare moment of bipartisan consensus on foreign policy.
With the midterm elections approaching, the bill’s passage provides a political win for lawmakers on both sides of the aisle. It also signals continued U.S. commitment to supporting Ukraine and confronting adversaries, even as the administration balances diplomatic efforts. If signed into law, the sanctions could have far-reaching implications for global energy markets and international relations, particularly for countries that continue to engage with Russia’s energy sector. All eyes now turn to the White House for the president’s signature.
Shimanta Das 
