US Senator Lindsey Graham warns Iran deal could fuel militancy in Lebanon and Iraq, escalate Strait of Hormuz risks
Washington, DC, May 24
US Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday warned that any deal with Iran that allows it to grow stronger over time could increase instability in Lebanon and Iraq and worsen tensions around the Strait of Hormuz.
Graham said in a post on X, "If it is perceived in the region that a deal with Iran allows the regime to survive and become more powerful over time, we will have poured gasoline on the conflicts in Lebanon and Iraq. A deal that is perceived to allow Iran to survive and possess the ability to control the Strait in the future will put Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Shia militias in Iraq on steroids."
Graham also raised concerns about the security risks associated with any deal that permits Iran to pose a threat to important maritime routes.
"If a deal is struck to end the Iranian conflict because it is believed that the Strait of Hormuz cannot be protected from Iranian terrorism and Iran still possesses the capability to destroy major Gulf oil infrastructure, then Iran will be perceived as being a dominate force requiring a diplomatic solution," he said in a post on X.
He further warned that the balance of power in the region could shift if Iran is seen as capable of threatening global energy routes and Gulf infrastructure.
"This combination of Iran being perceived as having the ability to terrorize the Strait in perpetuity and the ability the inflict massive damage to Gulf oil infrastructure is a major shift of the balance of power in the region and over time will be a nightmare for Israel. Also, it makes one wonder why the war started to begin with if these perceptions are accurate. I personally am a skeptic of the idea that Iran cannot be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait and the region cannot protect itself against Iranian military capability. It is important we get this right," he added.
Meanwhile, Iran's Embassy in Zimbabwe responded on social media, saying, "The strait of Hormuz will be opened. Thank you for your attention to this matter! Nice guy said."
Iran on Sunday rejected US President Donald Trump's claim that the Strait of Hormuz would return to its previous status under a proposed agreement, with Iran's semi-official Fars News Agency stating that Tehran would continue to maintain control.
According to the report, Iran has agreed only to allow the number of passing ships to return to pre-war levels, but this "in no way means a return to free passage" as it existed before the conflict.
Fars News Agency stated that the management of the Strait of Hormuz, including shipping routes, timing of passage and permits, would remain "exclusively under the authority of Iran".
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, this whole situation is a mess. Graham is right that giving Iran too much leverage is dangerous, but the US has been bombing the Middle East for decades and look where we are. The Iranians have every right to control their waters. India needs to diversify its energy sources away from this mess - invest in renewable energy and pipelines through Pakistan or Central Asia. Just my two cents from New York.
Graham's comments about Hezbollah and Shia militias being on 'steroids' if Iran gets stronger is classic Western alarmism. India has historically had cordial relations with Iran - they never threatened us even during the war with Iraq. The real issue is that the US and Israel want to maintain dominance in the region. India should support diplomacy over sanctions and saber-rattling. And for heaven's sake, why is every Western senator obsessed with Israel's security while ignoring Palestinian rights? 🤷♀️
As an American living in Mumbai, I find this debate exhausting. Graham is playing politics as usual. Iran controlling the Strait means higher oil prices for everyone - bad for India's growth. But the solution isn't more war. Why can't the US and Iran just negotiate like adults without all this chest-thumping? India has good relations with both sides and could play mediator. Anyway, let's see what happens with the deal - hopefully it doesn't lead to another Gulf crisis.
Graham's logic is contradictory - he says Iran can't be denied the ability to terrorize the Strait, but then says the region can protect itself? Make up your mind, Senator! The truth is, no country has the military power to fully control the Strait. The US tried in 2019 after the tanker attacks and failed. India's navy should work with other nations to ensure freedom of navigation, not pick sides. Let the Iranians and Saudis sort out their own problems. We have enough to deal with in Ladakh! 😅
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.