Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said he spent 4.5 hours with U.S. President Donald Trump on Friday and described what he believes the administration would do if the current deal effort with Iran fails. Speaking to CBS, Graham said, “I spent 4.5 hours with President Trump on Friday. Here is what I think will happen next.”
According to Graham, Trump would “take control of the Strait of Hormuz by force,” impose fees on anyone passing through it to cover the operation’s costs, and, if Iran challenged U.S. control of the waterway, “destroy” it. He presented the remarks as the likely next step if negotiations break down.
The comments come amid rapid developments on the Iran front, after a preliminary memorandum of understanding was reached between the United States and Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to international shipping while talks continue on Iran’s nuclear program and other issues. The strait is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways.
About 20% of global oil supplies pass through the Strait of Hormuz, so any threat to its stability has immediate implications for global energy markets. Graham’s statement also reflects his hard-line stance toward Iran and follows his earlier doubts about whether Tehran is serious about honoring agreements.
