U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman James Risch tells Independence Avenue Media he is working with Senate leadership to ensure new U.S. sanctions against Russia can be approved “when the time comes.”
In January, Foreign Relations Committee members approved a bill introduced by Risch, an Idaho Republican, and Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, a New Hampshire Democrat, that targets Russia’s shadow fleet of clandestine oil tankers used to evade already existing Western sanctions, but it has not been brought to a vote in the full Senate.
Another sanctions package imposing secondary tariffs on Russian oil and gas exports, has also not been brought to a vote despite having bipartisan support.
On March 14, the Trump administration announced a temporary lifting of sanctions on Russian oil already at sea in an effort to stem prices that have been rising since the start of the Iran war.
Still, says Risch, it is “critical that all U.S. partners, especially the EU, continue to maintain strong sanctions regimes against Russia.”
The Idaho senator, who responded to a series of questions from Independence Avenue Media submitted by email, also pushes back against a growing narrative that Russia has benefited from the Iran war.
“In the long run, Russia is actually the biggest loser,” he says. “Russia and Iran are supposedly strategic partners, but when it comes down to the wire Putin has done little to change the outcome of the U.S. operation and even less when it comes to material support. Russia’s other ‘partners’ should take note of what throwing in your lot with Putin truly gets you.”
The following interview was conducted on March 24, 2026.
Ia Meurmishvili, editor-in-chief, Independence Avenue Media: How do you believe Operation Epic Fury will end? What are the U.S. objectives in Iran? Is regime change still on the table? Does the United States have the means and the will to accomplish all its objectives without the use of ground troops?
James Risch, chairman, U.S. Senate Committee on Foreign Relations: The president has made clear that his objective in Operation Epic Fury is to eliminate the Iranian threat to the United States.
At this juncture, Iran has a chance to change the course of its future. The Iranian people have long suffered under a brutal regime guilty of kidnapping, torturing, and killing its own people. Much like President Trump has done in Syria and Venezuela, he has given the Iranian people the chance to pursue peace and prosperity. It is my sincere hope that the Iranian people seize this opportunity.
IAM: In the short term, the main beneficiary of the Iran war seems to be Vladimir Putin: He is benefiting from higher oil prices, a distraction of attention away from his war on Ukraine, the growing scarcity of air defense systems, and so forth. What would you recommend the administration do to keep up pressure on Russia and support Ukraine, even given the requirements of the Iran war?
Risch: In the long run, Russia is actually the biggest loser. Iran is Russia’s closest ally in the Middle East, and it has been relatively powerless to do much to help. Russia and Iran are supposedly strategic partners, but when it comes down to the wire Putin has done little to change the outcome of the U.S. operation and even less when it comes to material support. Russia’s other “partners” should take note of what throwing in your lot with Putin truly gets you. And likewise, with Iran’s capabilities diminished, Putin will have one less ally to help him. Moreover, neighbors in the South Caucasus and Central Asia will benefit from the decline of Iran’s malign influence and be freer to deepen their relations with the United States, building on the work President Trump has spearheaded in the Middle Corridor.
IAM: What is the status of Sen. Lindsey Graham’s bill imposing secondary tariffs on Russian oil and gas exports? With 85 co-sponsors in the Senate, it seems there are plenty of votes to pass it.
Risch: Sanctions remain a strong pressure point against Russia. As peace talks progress we will continue to look for ways to impose economic pressure in support of a durable peace between Russia and Ukraine. I will continue to work with Senate leadership to ensure we are ready when that time comes. At this time, it is also critical that all U.S. partners, especially the EU, continue to maintain strong sanctions regimes against Russia.
IAM: What about your bill seeking tougher action against Russia’s shadow fleet of oil tankers? Does that have a chance of passage?
Risch: The Senate Foreign Relations Committee recently passed my SHADOW Fleets Act with overwhelming bipartisan support, and it includes new and impactful authorities that will support President Trump’s pursuit of a durable peace in Ukraine. Both my bill and the Graham bill share this goal.
IAM: There are reports that Russia is helping Iran target U.S. forces in the Middle East. How should the United States respond to Russia over this?
Risch: I’ve seen these reports. Russia is no friend of the United States, so it makes sense they are trying to undercut President Trump’s mission to protect the United States from the Iranian threat. I have full confidence that the president will respond appropriately.
IAM: Ukraine has one of the most advanced and effective military programs in the world to counter Russian and Iranian drones. The Ukrainians have offered to assist the United States and Middle East partners in countering Iranian drones. How do you view this offer? Could it have any impact on U.S. policy regarding restrictions on military assistance to Ukraine?
Risch: The U.S. has already engaged with Ukraine to develop new capabilities. The Trump administration began talks with the Ukrainian government on a potential drone deal last year, and U.S. defense firms that manufacture drones have been in Ukraine working with the Ukrainian private sector for years.
IAM: President Trump mediated the peace agreement between Armenia and Azerbaijan and established the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) corridor [a planned transport route in southern Armenia that would link mainland Azerbaijan with Nakhchivan, its landlocked exclave]. Does this mean the United States will continue to play a larger role in the South Caucasus going forward?
Risch: Our friends in the South Caucasus region are important partners. President Trump has already laid a solid foundation for the relationship to grow for years to come. The United States is making an economic and political investment in the peace and stability of the South Caucasus region, which will advance energy security and access to critical minerals while counterbalancing bad actors like Russia and China in the region.
IAM: It is notable that despite the U.S. engagement with Armenia and Azerbaijan, there is almost no discussion about Georgia. Georgian authorities are making efforts to restore relations with Washington. How do you see the status of U.S.-Georgian relations, and where do things go from here?
Risch: The Georgian government’s consolidation of power under one-party rule by Georgian Dream is a serious concern. If the government continues to go down this path, the U.S. must adjust its approach to the relationship accordingly. The Georgian government’s anti-American rhetoric, attacks against free speech and political opposition, and embrace of China and Iran are bad signs for the future of our relationship. I hope it reverses direction.
IAM: What is the status of the MEGOBARI Act [which would require the president to impose sanctions on officials believed to be undermining Georgia’s security or stability]? Is the Senate still considering it?
Risch: Yes, my colleagues in the Senate and House are continuing to pursue a path to passing MEGOBARI.
IAM: As Chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, you oversee the process of confirming U.S. ambassadors abroad. Why are there so many vacancies this late in the administration? Do you think an ambassador to Georgia will be appointed soon? What about Ukraine?
Risch: I continue to work with the administration to fill these important positions. The process is lengthy and careful to ensure the person is right for the job. We move nominees as quickly as possible within those parameters.
