President Donald Trump is advocating for the inclusion of tariffs on Iran in a sanctions bill aimed at both Russia and Iran, which has garnered bipartisan support in Congress. However, the U.S. imports very little from Iran, totaling just $1.4 million in 2025, primarily consisting of art and antiques.
Experts, including Jonathan Doh from Villanova School of Business, argue that the proposed tariffs would be largely symbolic and ineffective, as existing sanctions already severely limit trade with Iran. The sanctions bill, named after the late Senator Lindsey Graham, has made progress in Congress, with a recent procedural vote of 86-12 indicating strong bipartisan support.
However, Trump's insistence on adding tariffs could complicate the bill's passage, as Democrats have criticized his tariff policies, which have recently intensified following a Supreme Court ruling. The situation highlights the tension between Trump's tariff strategy and the legislative process, potentially impacting U.S. foreign policy and trade relations