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Graham Vows Expanded Iran Oil Blockade Amid Pentagon Denial

4/23/2026

Summary

Story summary

Senator Lindsey Graham announced the U.S. oil blockade on Iran will stay and expand, warning it could become a global threat after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon denied Lloyd’s List’s report that 26 Iranian vessels evaded the blockade.
Senator Chris Murphy responded to the report with a sarcastic “Awesome” comment.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell called Murphy’s remark shameful and reaffirmed the denial.

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Story summary

Senator Lindsey Graham announced the U.S. oil blockade on Iran will stay and expand, warning it could become a global threat after a call with U.S. President Donald Trump and Secretary Pete Hegseth.
The Pentagon denied Lloyd’s List’s report that 26 Iranian vessels evaded the blockade.
Senator Chris Murphy responded to the report with a sarcastic “Awesome” comment.
Pentagon spokesperson Sean Parnell called Murphy’s remark shameful and reaffirmed the denial.