The conflict in the Middle East has slowed passage of new American sanctions against Russia.

The US Senate has postponed consideration of a bill to impose sanctions on Russia due to the conflict between Israel and Iran, as well as the need to pass Donald Trump’s tax reform package.

Senate Republican Majority Leader John Thune stated that consideration of the sanctions package has been delayed until at least July. “All attention is now focused on the situation in the Middle East,” added Republican Senator Tommy Tuberville.

The delay in consideration of the sanctions bill is also attributed to Senators Lindsey Graham and Richard Blumenthal’s decision to revise the text of the document. In particular, it is planned to exclude from the new sanctions those countries that, despite purchasing Russian energy resources, assist Ukraine. The initial version of the document provided for a 500% duty on imports from countries that continue to purchase Russian oil, gas, uranium, and other goods. However, such measures could complicate US relations even with some key allies in Europe, which still depend on Russian supplies.

“The Senate will have to wait a little while. The situation with Iran is changing… But that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about Russia or Ukraine. Not at all,” Graham stressed.