US President Donald Trump has called for expanding a Russia sanctions Bill to include sweeping tariff powers against Iran, even as the United States resumed air strikes on Iranian targets following a brief pause in military operations. The twin developments underscore Washington’s increasingly hardline stance towards Tehran despite ongoing diplomatic contacts.

The proposed legislative changes and renewed military action come days after Iran launched ballistic missiles towards a US military installation in Jordan, further escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Trump Seeks Iran Tariff Provision

Speaking at the White House on Wednesday, Trump urged lawmakers to amend the recently passed Russia sanctions Bill to allow the US President to impose tariffs on Iran.

“I’d like them to add Iran as tariffs, not just as sanctions. I think that’s important,” Trump said, adding that the proposal reflected the wishes of the late Senator Lindsey Graham.

The Senate on Tuesday passed the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia Act of 2026 by an 86-12 vote. The Bill authorises the President to impose tariffs of up to 100 per cent on the world’s largest importers of Russian energy and military goods, while also allowing tariffs on countries accused of helping Moscow evade sanctions.

The legislation also proposes a 500 per cent tariff on Russian imports into the United States. However, Trump’s request to include Iran-related tariff provisions could complicate its passage in the House of Representatives, where Republican leaders intend to bring the Senate-approved version for a vote without amendments.

Several Democratic lawmakers have already expressed concerns over the broad tariff powers granted to the President, while supporters are urging quick passage of the existing legislation.

US Resumes Air Strikes on Iran

Hours after Trump’s remarks, the United States resumed air strikes on targets inside Iran, ending a temporary suspension of military operations.

The renewed campaign followed Iran’s launch of ballistic missiles towards a US military facility in Jordan earlier this week. US Central Command (CENTCOM) said all incoming missiles were intercepted, describing the attack as an “attempted surprise attack” on American military assets in the region.

Although the US military did not identify the targeted base, American media reports said the missiles were aimed at a US installation in Jordan. The attack marked Iran’s first direct ballistic missile strike on an American military facility since Washington paused its air campaign to allow space for diplomatic engagement.

Reacting to the escalation, Trump warned that any attack on US personnel would invite a strong military response.

Joint Operations in Iraq

Alongside the strikes inside Iran, US and Saudi Arabian forces carried out joint air operations against Iran-backed militia groups in Iraq.

CENTCOM said the operation targeted logistics hubs and weapons storage facilities after more than 30 drone attacks over three days by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) against US troops and Saudi energy infrastructure.

The Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) said at least 20 people were killed in the strikes. Saudi Arabia also reported intercepting several drones targeting oil facilities in its Eastern Province, blaming Iran-backed armed groups operating from Iraq.

Diplomacy Continues Despite Escalation

The latest military action comes despite continued indirect diplomatic contacts between Washington and Tehran through regional intermediaries.

Earlier this week, Trump said discussions with Iran had been progressing positively but warned that military operations would resume if negotiations failed.

The renewed strikes also follow Trump’s recent meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House, where the two leaders discussed regional security and developments involving Iran. The White House described those talks as “positive and productive”.

The combination of fresh military operations and proposed economic measures signals a further hardening of the US approach towards Iran as tensions continue to rise across the region.

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