WASHINGTON, August 7. /TASS/. The US Senate has voted to pass a bill aimed at tightening American sanctions against Russia and Iran. The session was broadcast live on the upper house's website.

The initiative passed with 86 senators voting in favor and 11 opposed. The House of Representatives is expected to review the legislation in September, where some lawmakers may voice opposition due to the proposed tariff increases.

On Friday, senators rejected an amendment that would have stripped the US President of the authority to impose tariffs on countries importing Russian oil or gas. The vote was held just before lawmakers left Washington for a five-week summer recess.

Earlier, the Responsible Statecraft portal suggested that US sanctions against Russia could ultimately harm Washington more than Moscow, leaving the US to face economic uncertainty and a loss of global influence.

About the Bill

Under the provisions of the bill, the US President would be authorized to impose sanctions on Russia's top political and military leadership, state-owned enterprises, and foreign companies deemed by Washington to be supporting the Russian defense industrial base. The legislation also targets the Central Bank of Russia, Sberbank, and Gazprombank, alongside major Russian energy projects including Yamal LNG, three Arctic LNG initiatives, and future Arctic energy developments.

Replacing a previous proposal for a 500% tariff on imports from nations buying Russian energy resources, the current draft proposes a 100% tariff on the five largest buyers of Russian crude and natural gas, as well as five countries allegedly helping Moscow circumvent Western energy sanctions. Furthermore, senators proposed restrictions on the so-called shadow fleet, alongside measures to tighten sanctions against Iran.

US President Donald Trump effectively endorsed the legislation on July 29. However, the American leader noted that there is no urgent need for the House of Representatives to cut its August recess short to fast-track the bill.