Trump Seeks 60 Days to Assess Russia Sanctions Law Impact, Rubio Says

US President Donald Trump wants a 60-day period to evaluate the impact that enforcing Russia-related sanctions and foreign tariffs would have on the global and domestic economies, according to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Speaking to reporters before departing on an overseas tour, Rubio stated that the administration needed time to weigh the complex economic repercussions across multiple international trading partners.

The pause follows Trump's signing of an executive order that granted waivers under the Lindsey O. Graham Sanctioning Russia and Iran Act. Passed by the US Congress last month, the legislation authorised sweeping economic measures against Russia as well as punitive 100 percent tariffs on the top five purchasers of Russian oil and gas, a group that includes China and India.

Rubio explained that the Graham Act's waiver provisions were specifically included so that the executive branch could review global market conditions before taking action. He noted that international energy supply lines face compounding pressures, highlighting global oil price instability and ongoing disruptions in maritime and Middle Eastern transport corridors.

Trump defended the decision to delay the penalties, describing the waiver as a positive step for the United States and global economic stability. The executive order specifies that the sanctions relief remains effective until the President or the Secretary of State, in consultation with trade and Treasury officials, decides on further implementation steps.