Bipartisan Senate Push for Iran Sanctions as Middle East Tensions Rise

By: Ark-La-Tex Staff Writer

A bipartisan effort led by Senators Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut and Lindsey Graham of South Carolina is gaining momentum in the U.S. Senate, aiming to impose new and far-reaching sanctions on both Iran and Russia. The proposed legislation comes amid growing global concern over Iran’s expanding nuclear ambitions and regional activities, as well as continued aggression from Russia and its energy trade with countries such as China and India.

The initiative includes two major pieces of legislation. The first, called the “Solidify Iran Sanctions Act,” was introduced last month and proposes to permanently extend and strengthen existing U.S. economic sanctions targeting Iran’s energy, arms, and financial sectors. The bill would expand restrictions on entities tied to Iran’s petrochemical and uranium industries, building on decades of sanctions designed to deter Tehran’s nuclear development and destabilizing actions in the Middle East.

Running parallel to the Iran-focused bill is the “Sanctioning Russia Act of 2025,” spearheaded by Senator Graham with support from Blumenthal and dozens of colleagues from both parties. The legislation would impose new sanctions on Russia and enforce steep tariffs, up to 500%, on countries that purchase Russian energy. This provision targets not only Russia’s economy but also foreign governments like China, India, and Iran that continue to buy Russian oil and gas, thereby supporting Moscow’s wartime revenues.

The timing of the legislation reflects an urgent geopolitical landscape. Tensions in the Middle East have surged following a recent Israeli strike and subsequent Iranian retaliation, sparking bipartisan calls for measures to protect U.S. military personnel in the region. Speaking on CBS News’ Face the Nation, Senator Blumenthal underscored the global threat posed by a nuclear-capable Iran, stating, “A nuclear-armed Iran is a threat to the entire world, including the United States.” Senator Graham echoed this concern, emphasizing that if diplomatic efforts fail, the U.S. must be prepared to act decisively against Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

Both bills have garnered significant support in Congress. More than 80 senators are backing the Russia sanctions package, and over 70 members of the House support its companion legislation. Senator Blumenthal called the current geopolitical moment “a time that cries out for presidential leadership” in confronting adversarial regimes. However, the Trump administration is reportedly pressing for changes to the Russia sanctions bill, requesting greater flexibility before it moves forward in the Senate.

If enacted, the sanctions would have wide-reaching consequences. For Russia, the proposed tariffs and secondary sanctions could further isolate its economy and hinder its ability to finance ongoing military operations. For Iran, the law would reinforce the existing “maximum pressure” strategy by deepening sanctions on vital sectors such as oil, banking, and petrochemicals. Diplomatically, the dual-track sanctions represent a hardline approach just ahead of the upcoming G7 summit, where U.S. relations with Russia, China, and Iran are expected to take center stage.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune has indicated that a vote on the Russia sanctions bill could take place as early as next week, with the Iran legislation likely following close behind. Both bills will require bipartisan majorities to pass the Senate and House before heading to the president’s desk for final approval. As Congress acts, the implications of these measures are poised to shape U.S. foreign policy for years to come.