Graham backs Trump threat to seize Iran's Kharg Island

Trump launched a series of strikes on the country this week after a weeks-long ceasefire failed to result in a permanent deal to end the war.

Published: June 11, 2026 12:50pm

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on Thursday endorsed President Donald Trump's threat to seize Iran's Kharg Island amid the renewal of open hostilities in the Iran war.

Trump launched a series of strikes on the country this week after a weeks-long ceasefire failed to result in a permanent deal to end the war. The president on Thursday threatened to seize the critical oil depot on the island to place Tehran's economy in a stranglehold.

"President Trump’s announcement today that it may be time to take Kharg Island is welcome news and would be the ultimate game changer," Graham posted on X. "The combination of continuing to force the Strait open and at the same time controlling Kharg Island’s operations by force or blockade would be the most consequential move President Trump could make, regaining the dominance and leverage America needs to end this conflict on favorable terms."

The first wave of renewed strikes came in response to Iran's downing of a U.S. apache helicopter. Notably, the nominal ceasefire witnessed a series of live-fire exchanges between nearly every combatant, including Hezbollah and Israel.

Trump has sought commitments from Iran to refrain from developing nuclear weapons, a concession Iran has been unwilling to make.

Ben Whedon is the Chief Political Correspondent for Just the News. Follow him on X.

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