Washington, D.C. – Amid rising tensions in the Middle East, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is calling on Israel to deliver a decisive blow to Iran’s economy — by targeting its oil facilities — while continuing to strike Iran-backed Houthi rebels in Yemen.
Iran-Backed Terror Escalates: Israel Responds with Force
On Monday, Israeli warplanes launched a wave of airstrikes on Yemen’s Hudaydah Port, retaliating after the Houthis — an Islamic extremist group aligned with Iran — fired a ballistic missile that landed dangerously close to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport, injuring six civilians.
Sen. Graham responded quickly, urging Israeli leaders to take stronger action.
“To my friends in Israel: Defend your skies. Protect your citizens. And consider putting Iran out of the oil business once and for all,” Graham posted on social media Tuesday.
Trump Halts U.S. Strikes — Houthis Beg for Ceasefire
President Donald J. Trump announced from the Oval Office that the U.S. would pause its bombing campaign against Houthi forces, after the group reportedly asked for a ceasefire to stop further destruction.
“They said, ‘Please stop bombing us,’” Trump revealed. “And we will — for now — because they’ve agreed to stop attacking our ships and disrupting critical shipping lanes in the region.”
The decision follows nearly two months of sustained U.S. military operations aimed at securing Middle Eastern waters and defending international commerce — a priority for the Trump administration’s national security agenda.
Graham: Iran Must Pay a Price for Proxy War Tactics
While supportive of the Houthis standing down against American targets, Sen. Graham issued a stern warning regarding any future aggression against Israel.
“If the Houthis continue attacking Israel, Iran will be held responsible,” Graham warned. “They wouldn’t have the rockets or the funding without Tehran pulling the strings.”
The South Carolina senator has long advocated for a tougher stance on Iran — a country he believes is the puppet master behind much of the chaos in the region.
“No Nukes for Iran” — GOP Senator Warns of Global Fallout
In a recent Fox News interview, Graham made clear there’s “zero chance” Iran’s regime will abandon its nuclear ambitions through diplomacy alone. He remains skeptical of any agreement being negotiated by U.S. officials — even under Trump’s direct oversight.
“A nuclear Iran is a nightmare for Israel, for the Arab world, and for America,” Graham said. “It will start a Middle East nuclear arms race and put global peace at risk.”
In February, Graham led a bipartisan Senate delegation to Jerusalem, where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The top issue discussed? Stopping Iran from ever acquiring nuclear weapons.
Graham: Ayatollah Regime Wants to Destroy the West
During the trip, Graham didn’t mince words about the goals of Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
“This regime is focused on three things: rewriting Islam in their radical image, annihilating the Jewish state, and pushing every Westerner out of the Middle East,” Graham told reporters.
“Every decision I make as a U.S. Senator is based on one thing — making sure Iran never succeeds in building a nuclear bomb.”