Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) confirmed Thursday that he intends to attach penalties targeting Iran to a Russia sanctions bill currently winding through the chamber, a move that aligns with President Trump's weekend demand on social media. The legislation, which has been in development for years, gained fresh momentum after the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), its primary architect.
“I think everybody’s fine with it because we do it anyway — Iran sanctions is something we’ve had in place the last 30 years,” Thune told reporters. He added that discussions with both Democrats and Republicans are converging on a final package. “I’ve been having conversations with Democrats and folks on our side, and I think we’re homing in on it,” he said.
The underlying bill would impose mandatory sanctions on Russia and its allies, including potential tariffs on buyers of Russian energy. With Iran now in the mix, the sanctions umbrella could also cover Tehran and its Lebanese proxy, Hezbollah. The expansion reflects the White House’s push to tighten economic pressure on multiple adversaries simultaneously.
Thune is seeking a time agreement with Senate Democrats to limit debate and expedite floor consideration, aiming for a vote before senators depart for a month-long recess starting August 7. “I’m hoping we can get it teed up, and then if we can get some sort of limited time agreement to help expedite it on the floor, that would help too,” he said.
The move comes as the Trump administration’s broader sanctions strategy faces scrutiny. A recent analysis on starving Russia’s gas pumps argues that coordinated energy penalties could pressure Moscow and Tehran alike. Meanwhile, Thune’s push for bipartisan cooperation echoes his earlier handling of a voter ID bill, where he publicly challenged White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt to help secure votes.
Senate Democrats, despite internal turmoil over left-wing factions, see potential political openings in the sanctions debate. Some have signaled willingness to support tougher measures against Iran, though procedural hurdles remain. The bill’s path forward will test Thune’s ability to manage floor time and maintain unity within his caucus.
If passed, the legislation would mark a significant escalation in U.S. economic warfare against both Russia and Iran, building on existing sanctions regimes. The inclusion of Hezbollah could also reshape dynamics in Lebanon and the broader Middle East, adding another layer to the administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign.
