Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) recently urged President Trump to fully support Israel in its conflict with Iran, emphasizing on Fox News with Sean Hannity that it’s crucial to move past the “Ayatollahs and his henchmen.”
Graham suggested the U.S. might need to conduct bombing missions to dismantle Iran’s bunkers if that’s what it takes to topple the current Islamic regime.
“President Trump, we need to go all in to help Israel tackle the nuclear threat,” he stated. “If it requires supplying bombs to Israel, we’ll do it. Should we join them in air operations, then that’s on the table too.”
He raised a thought-provoking question: “Isn’t it better for the world if the Ayatollah is replaced with something more positive? Isn’t Iran worth that?”
He quickly provided his own answer, asserting, “It’s time to turn the page on the Ayatollah and his followers. Let’s do this soon and usher in a new era in the Middle East, one of tolerance, hope, and peace.”
In South Carolina, Republicans are known for their militaristic stance and have long advocated for a hard line against Iran.
Israel recently showcased impressive strike capabilities during its operations against Iran, targeting numerous military leaders and nuclear scientists. However, Israel lacks access to powerful bombs that could neutralize Iran’s heavily fortified underground nuclear facility in Fordau.
Trump is reportedly weighing the implications of whether Israeli actions to dismantle this facility would significantly extend Iran’s timeline for nuclear weapon capability.
“To put it simply, Iran must not possess nuclear weapons,” Trump reiterated on Monday. “I’ve stated this countless times! Everyone should leave Tehran without delay!”
The White House is also contemplating Iran’s potential return to nuclear discussions, after the latter stepped back from recent negotiations.
Iranian officials, seeking assistance from Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Oman, have asked these nations to encourage Trump to coordinate with Israel, allowing for some flexibility in nuclear talks.
Post the G7 summit in Canada, Trump informed reporters on Air Force One that his special envoys, Steve Witkov and Vice President Vance, might engage with Iranian representatives.
Nonetheless, he expressed skepticism about negotiating with Iran, stating he wasn’t keen on a temporary ceasefire.
“We’re looking beyond just a ceasefire… I mean the definitive end, not just a pause.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated he is not inclined to end what he has described as the most significant air campaign against Iran, projecting that these operations could extend for weeks.
In comments made to ABC News, Netanyahu mentioned he wouldn’t rule out action against Iran’s supreme leader Ali Khamenei and dismissed Tehran’s reported attempts at diplomatic engagement with the U.S.
“I’m not surprised by their tactics. They want to maintain these deceptive negotiations while pushing their agenda,” the prime minister commented.
He emphasized, “They aim to continue developing nuclear weapons and a vast stockpile of ballistic missiles. Their intention to create serious threats to Israel while engaging in talks is not something we will entertain.”
