In a stark and forceful television appearance, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham made an unambiguous call for violent regime change in Iran, directly appealing to President Donald Trump to take decisive military action.
Graham's Direct Appeal to Trump on Fox News
Appearing on the Fox News program Sunday Morning Futures with host Maria Bartiromo, the Republican senator from South Carolina left no room for interpretation regarding his stance on Iran. Graham explicitly stated that President Trump should "kill the leadership that are killing the people" in Iran, where widespread protests against the government have reportedly resulted in hundreds of deaths.
The longtime ally of the president emphasized the urgency of the situation, telling Trump, "You gotta end this." This rhetoric is consistent with Graham's historical position, as he has advocated for military strikes against Iran for years.
Comparisons to Hitler and Calls for Removal
Graham escalated his verbal assault on Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, by branding him a "modern-day Hitler" and a "religious Nazi." He argued that forcibly removing Khamenei from power would halt what he described as Iran's "state-sponsored terrorism" throughout the Middle East.
The senator pointed to recent events in Venezuela as a potential model, referencing the U.S.-led military operation last week that removed President Nicolás Maduro. Graham suggested a similar outcome for Iran's leadership.
Trump's Escalating Rhetoric and Graham's Praise
Senator Graham's incendiary comments come as President Trump himself has intensified his language against the Iranian regime in recent days. Trump has threatened retaliation if Iranian protesters are harmed by their government.
In his interview, Graham lavished praise on the president, declaring Trump to be the "Ronald Reagan-plus of our time." He expressed confidence in Trump's approach, stating on social media that "The future of Iran belongs to its people" and that "President @realDonaldTrump has shown he knows how to support them and how to deter the ayatollah."
The senator's public push for violent intervention marks a significant moment in the ongoing tension between the United States and Iran, advocating for a direct and forceful U.S. response to the internal unrest shaking the Islamic Republic.
