US President Donald Trump has suspended the application of tariffs and sanctions provided for by Senator Lindsey Graham’s sanctions law targeting Russia and Iran, which he signed in September 2026. At the same time, the order formally establishes tariff restrictions but includes a provision waiving their application.
This is stated in the US president’s order.
The law provides for the introduction of 100% tariffs on goods from five countries that import the most Russian oil. The document also provided for 500% tariffs on goods from Russia and sanctions against a number of Russian entities.
The deadline for implementing the relevant provisions was 18 October 2026.
However, Trump made use of a provision in the law that allows the president to waive the application of the restrictions set out in it.
"I have submitted to Congress a certification that waiving their application at this stage is in the national interests of the United States," Trump said.
Section 115 of the Graham Act allows the president to waive the application of sanctions, restrictions and tariffs if he submits to Congress a written certification that such a decision is in the national interests of the United States. The president must also provide a report explaining the grounds for this decision.
At the same time, the order does not отменяет sanctions imposed earlier by other US executive orders against Russia. The specified exceptions will remain in effect until the US president or the secretary of state, following appropriate consultations, decide that further measures are required.
On 19 September, President Trump signed the bill on sanctions against Russia and Iran, authored by the late Senator Lindsey Graham.
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- On 9 October, Trump announced an agreement that would see millions of tonnes of Russian diesel fuel reach global markets. This could ease sanctions pressure on Moscow and increase its revenues from energy exports.
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