Lindsey Graham Warns Trump Will Seize Strait of Hormuz by Force If Iran Talks Fail

Senator Lindsey Graham warned that President Trump intends to seize the Strait of Hormuz through military force if ongoing diplomatic talks with Iran fail. Graham also threatened the U.S. would obliterate Iran should it resist American control of the strategically vital waterway. The remarks underscore rising tensions over a preliminary nuclear agreement that critics argue surrenders key negotiating leverage.

Graham's Military Posture

During an appearance on CBS' "Face the Nation," Graham stated his belief that diplomatic efforts with Iran will ultimately fail, yet advocated for continuing talks. After spending over four hours with Trump on June 19, Graham said the president is prepared to take military action to secure the Strait of Hormuz—a critical chokepoint through which significant portions of global oil supplies transit. According to Graham, the U.S. would control the waterway and collect fees from all vessels passing through it.

When pressed on Iran's potential resistance, Graham declared: "If Iran contests control of the Strait of Hormuz by the United States, we will obliterate them." He further stated that Trump plans to expand the Abraham Accords framework and require Saudi Arabia to participate in this regional arrangement.

Critique of Nuclear Agreement

Graham's hardline position contrasts sharply with criticism from former Obama administration officials. Former National Security Adviser Susan Rice called the preliminary agreement "flimsy," describing it as a two-page memorandum of understanding that granted excessive concessions before key nuclear provisions were finalized. Rice, who oversaw negotiations of the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, noted that critical details about uranium enrichment limits and disposition of enriched material stockpiles remain undefined in the current accord.

Under the 2015 multilateral agreement that Rice helped negotiate, Iran made substantial commitments: refraining from enriching bomb-grade uranium for 15 years, dismantling two-thirds of its centrifuges, surrendering 98 percent of its uranium stockpile, and permitting United Nations inspectors to monitor compliance. The current preliminary agreement, by contrast, contains only a single paragraph addressing Iran's nuclear program—a reaffirmation that Iran will not procure or develop nuclear weapons—with other critical matters delegated to future discussion.

Regional Complications

The negotiations have been further complicated by recent Israeli military actions. Iran previously indicated it closed the Strait of Hormuz in response to what its leadership characterized as ongoing ceasefire violations by Israel, citing military strikes in Lebanon as justification. This geographical leverage underscores the region's precarious equilibrium and the potential for further escalation if diplomatic channels collapse.