Republican Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina stated on X that he believes the U.S. blockade on Iran “could soon become global.”
In a conversation with President Trump and Army Secretary Pete Hegseth on Wednesday morning, he mentioned, “I had a very good call this morning with @POTUS and @SecWar’s Pete Hegseth about the future direction of the Iran conflict. I think the President’s decision to maintain the blockade is very wise. This has a strong impact on Iran’s ability to remain the largest state sponsor of terrorism.” He added, “But they seem to be doing it intentionally. I not only expect this blockade to remain in place until Iran shows a determination to change its ways, but I also expect the blockade to expand and become global soon.”
Graham also warned, “Those who support or are considering helping the Iranian regime distribute oil, a resource for terrorism, do so at their own risk. Well done, President Trump and his team. This is our best chance since 1979 to change the regime’s behavior, and we hope this can be accomplished through diplomacy.”
The U.S. has sustained its blockade of Iranian ports for over a week now. On a related note, President Trump asserted that Iran is “starved for cash” and “financially ruined” due to the extension of the ceasefire.
The U.S. Central Command issued a report stating, “The U.S. military has global influence. The U.S. military has established and enforced blockades throughout the Middle East and beyond.”
Trump announced the ceasefire extension on Tuesday but noted that the blockade would continue. He pointed out the internal divisions within the Iranian government and suggested, at the request of Pakistani leaders, to hold off on attacks until Iran’s leaders can present a unified proposal. He made it clear that the military should stay ready and capable while the blockade and ceasefire remain in place, emphasizing, “It’s time for the proposal to be submitted and the discussion to be concluded one way or another.”
