Trump Signs New Order Targeting Russia And Iran

President Donald Trump has signed a sweeping new executive order establishing massive tariffs and sanctions targeting Russia and countries that help Moscow evade American restrictions, marking another major development in Washington’s efforts to confront foreign adversaries.

The order, signed Friday, October 16, implements the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act of 2026, legislation Trump signed into law on September 18.

The measure establishes a framework for imposing tariffs of up to 500 percent on Russian imports while threatening additional penalties against countries purchasing Russian energy or helping Moscow circumvent existing sanctions.

However, the president also exercised his authority to temporarily waive the new penalties, leaving the administration with the ability to activate them at a later date.

Under the executive order, goods imported directly from Russia would face an additional 500 percent tariff. Countries identified among the five largest importers of Russian crude oil and natural gas could also face 100 percent tariffs on their goods if they knowingly make new purchases of Russian energy beginning October 18.

Another provision targets the five countries most responsible for facilitating Russian oil sanctions evasion, subjecting their exports to an additional 100 percent tariff.

The penalties would come on top of existing duties and other import charges, potentially creating enormous financial consequences for countries continuing to conduct business with Moscow.

But the White House made clear that the new measures would not immediately take effect.

In the order, Trump invoked a provision allowing the president to waive sanctions and tariffs when doing so serves American national interests.

“I am hereby waiving the application of such sanctions, restrictions, and duties provided for in the Graham Act,” Trump wrote.

The president also confirmed that he had submitted the required certification to Congress explaining the national security and economic considerations behind his decision.

The waivers will remain in effect until Trump or designated administration officials determine that additional action is necessary.

Despite the temporary suspension, the executive order establishes a monitoring system designed to track countries continuing to purchase Russian energy or facilitate sanctions evasion.

The United States Trade Representative will work alongside the departments of State, Treasury and Energy to identify potential violations and recommend further action.

Officials are also instructed to regularly update the president on developments that could justify lifting the waivers and activating the penalties.

The legislation’s title specifically references both Russia and Iran, although the executive order’s tariff provisions focus primarily on Russian imports, energy purchases and sanctions evasion.

The administration’s decision to retain the sanctions framework while suspending enforcement gives Trump considerable flexibility as Washington evaluates its next moves.

Rather than immediately imposing potentially disruptive tariffs, the president can use the threat of future penalties as leverage against governments maintaining economic relationships with Russia.

The order also preserves sanctions previously imposed under executive authorities addressing harmful activities by the Russian government, ensuring those existing restrictions remain unaffected.

Trump delegated additional implementation responsibilities to Secretary of State officials, the Treasury Department, the Energy Department and the United States Trade Representative.

Those agencies will oversee enforcement decisions, sanctions administration and potential changes to the tariffs. For now, the administration has established the legal machinery for significant economic penalties without immediately triggering them.

The executive order leaves open the possibility of a much tougher response if Trump determines that Russia or countries supporting its energy trade warrant further action.