Graham Backs Trump's 48-Hour Iran Ultimatum, Warns of "Overwhelming Force"

Lindsey Graham, the Republican Senator from South Carolina and a close associate of the President, stated that he "totally supports" the threat to unleash "hell" on the Iranian administration should they fail to comply.

Graham's comments followed a direct consultation with the President regarding the escalating maritime crisis. In a statement published on X, the Senator noted, "After speaking with President Trump this morning, I am completely convinced that he will use overwhelming military force against the regime if they continue to impede the Strait of Hormuz and refuse a diplomatic solution to achieve our military objectives."

Linking the current administration's rhetoric to its willingness to act, Graham suggested that the international community should not underestimate the President's resolve. He further cautioned that the window for a non-military resolution is closing rapidly, adding, "If it's not clear to Iran and others by now that President Trump means what he says, then I don't know when it will ever be."

This endorsement comes as US President Donald Trump on Saturday issued a stark ultimatum to Tehran, saying Iran has 48 hours to strike a deal or reopen the strategic Strait of Hormuz "before all hell will rain down on them."

Trump's message, posted on his Truth Social platform, is a reminder of his 10-day ultimatum given to the Islamic Republic earlier to make progress toward a deal or reopen the vital shipping lane. "Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out--48 hours before all hell will rain down on them. Glory be to GOD! President DONALD J. TRUMP," his post read.

The countdown follows a brief period of diplomatic manoeuvring, as Trump, on March 26, stated that he was extending the pause on strikes targeting Iran's energy infrastructure for an additional 10 days, until Monday, April 6, 2026, as part of the ongoing diplomatic talks between the two sides.

In a post on Truth Social, the US President claimed that the announcement came as per a "request" from the Iranian Government and further stated that the negotiations with Tehran were "going very well."

"As per Iranian Government request, please let this statement serve to represent that I am pausing the period of Energy Plant destruction by 10 days to Monday, April 6, 2026, at 8 P.M., Eastern Time. Talks are ongoing and, despite erroneous statements to the contrary by the Fake News Media and others, they are going very well," the post read.

This was a continuation of Trump's persistent warning to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. He earlier instructed the US Department of War to delay any military action against Iranian power plants and energy sites for five days, citing ongoing diplomatic engagements with Tehran amid escalating tensions in West Asia.

Prior to that extension, he had issued an initial warning to Tehran, giving it 48 hours to open the strategically significant Strait of Hormuz or face potential strikes on its energy facilities. His latest 48-hour ultimatum serves as a final reminder of the 10-day deadline given to Tehran last month.

- ANI