Sen. Lindsey Graham voiced strong support Thursday for President Donald Trump’s suggestion that the United States could move to seize Iran’s Kharg Island, describing the possibility as a major turning point in the ongoing confrontation between Washington and Tehran.
The South Carolina Republican, one of the most outspoken supporters of the administration’s military campaign against Iran, praised Trump’s latest warning in a social media post and argued that placing additional pressure on the Iranian regime could dramatically alter the trajectory of the conflict.
“President Trump’s announcement today that it may be time to take Kharg Island is welcome news and would be the ultimate game changer,” Graham wrote Thursday morning.
The remarks came as tensions remained elevated following another round of U.S. military action against Iran. Trump indicated in an interview with Fox News that additional operations could be forthcoming, suggesting that the next strike would surpass the scale of previous attacks.
According to Graham, the president signaled that the U.S. military was prepared to launch a “bigger, more powerful” attack than the one carried out the day before. Graham noted that the earlier operation involved what he described as $250 million worth of bombs being dropped on Iranian targets.
Trump projected confidence about the administration’s position and the impact of the military campaign.
“They’re really in submission. They just don’t know it yet,” the president told Fox News.
Graham has consistently defended the administration’s military operations against Iran, arguing that a firm response is necessary as negotiations continue to stall. At the same time, he has maintained that any agreement ultimately reached between the United States and Iran should undergo congressional review before taking effect.
While supportive of diplomatic efforts, Graham suggested that Iran’s leadership has not demonstrated the reliability needed to secure a lasting agreement.
“If there is no deal soon Mr. President, you are right to put on the table the taking of Kharg Island,” Graham wrote.
The senator also praised Trump and his national security team for continuing to pursue negotiations despite the ongoing hostilities.
“I very much appreciate @POTUS and his team going the extra mile to obtain a diplomatic solution to the Iranian conflict,” he continued.
Even as military pressure increases, Graham’s comments reflected the administration’s stated position that diplomacy remains an option if a workable agreement can be achieved. However, he argued that Iran’s actions have repeatedly undermined those efforts.
“It is apparent to me that the regime is not a reliable partner in these negotiations and that at every turn they create provocation believing it gives them more leverage,” Graham wrote.
The latest exchange underscores the competing pressures facing policymakers as the conflict continues. Supporters of the administration argue that increased military and economic pressure may force Iran to make concessions, while the continued focus on finding a diplomatic resolution suggests that many leaders still see negotiations as the preferable outcome to a prolonged and increasingly costly confrontation.
For now, Graham appears firmly aligned with Trump’s strategy, backing both the pursuit of talks and the willingness to escalate pressure if those efforts fail to produce a deal.
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