Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail."

Updated on: June 21, 2026 / 12:22 PM EDT / CBS News

Sen. Lindsey Graham: "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail."

TL;DR

  • Sen. Lindsey Graham expects U.S. diplomatic attempts with Iran to fail.
  • He supports trying diplomacy but is skeptical of its success.
  • If diplomacy fails, Graham predicts President Trump will take control of the Strait of Hormuz by force.
  • The plan includes charging fees for passage through the Strait of Hormuz to fund operations.
  • Graham aims to expand the Abraham Accords in 2026, potentially including Saudi Arabia.
  • He stated that Iran would be "obliterated" if it contests U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Graham's stance on reconstruction funds for Iran has evolved; he now believes Gulf states might provide the money.
  • He considers the allocated reconstruction funds insufficient to change Iran's future.
  • Conflict between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah has already endangered a U.S.-Iran ceasefire.