Lindsey Graham Calls for Escalated U.S. Action in Iran Conflict

Lindsey Graham told NBC’s “Meet the Press” talks with Iran have “hit a wall.” He urged Donald Trump to expand strikes on Iran’s infrastructure, calling it “underbelly,” and said he would relinquish his Senate seat if it would stop Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.

NOTUS

The U.S.–Iran clash entered its 11th week after a fragile ceasefire; both sides have struck energy sites, and the Strait of Hormuz—through which about 20 % of world oil passes—remains closed, pushing U.S. gasoline prices sharply higher.

NOTUS

Key actors include Lindsey Graham, Donald Trump (who called issue a “Churchill moment”), Iran’s foreign minister (distrust of U.S. negotiations), Ebrahim Azizi (announced tolls on Hormuz), and United Arab Emirates (condemning a drone strike near Barakah nuclear plant).

NOTUS

U.S. gasoline averaged $4.51 a gallon (down $0.01) and $4.08 earlier; Carolina prices exceed $4, up from $2.77 a year ago. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 0.6 % inflation, with gasoline up 5.4 % in April.

The Independent

Graham’s comments arrive amid the cycle; he said it would be “worth losing my job” to stop a nuclear-armed Iran. Opponents, including Annie Andrews and Mark Lynch, have criticized stance and action over domestic costs.

The State

President Trump warned on Truth Social that time is running out for Iran and threatened, noting U.S. retains “levers,” including strikes. Iran’s foreign minister warned of “no trust” in U.S. negotiators, while UAE condemned a strike near its Barakah plant.

NOTUS

Gas price reports vary ($4.51, $4.50, $4.52) and inflation figures differ (0.6 % overall vs. 5.4 % gasoline).

Washington Examiner

• “That’s his Churchill moment. When Churchill came into power, he promised ‘blood, sweat, toil, heartache, until we deal with the Nazis, who are an existential threat to the British way of life.’ And if Hitler had taken charge of the planet, it would have been the darkest hour in humanity,” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator

The Hill

• “Do I worry about gas prices? Yes. But, President Trump’s right. The biggest threat to stability in the world is a nuclear-armed Iran, and whatever price we have to pay, we’ll pay,” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator

Washington Examiner

• “If I had to give up my job to make sure Iran would never have a nuclear weapon, I would do it,” — Lindsey Graham, U.S. Senator

Washington Examiner

• “For Iran, the Clock is Ticking, and they better get moving, FAST, or there won’t be anything left of them,” — Donald Trump, President

NOTUS

After a China summit, Trump signaled willingness to act without foreign assistance; a revived “Project Freedom Plus” could escort commercial ships through the Strait, while Graham’s push for further energy strikes keeps pressure on the administration.

NOTUS