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

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham expressed skepticism Sunday regarding the prospects of a diplomatic solution with Iran, stating, "I think it's going to fail." Despite his doubts, Graham emphasized his preference for pursuing diplomacy, saying, "I would rather try diplomacy than take it off the table." He made these remarks on "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" as U.S. negotiators met with Iranian officials in Switzerland. The current negotiations follow a memorandum of understanding signed last week, but tensions have escalated with recent conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, and Iran's threat to close the Strait of Hormuz. Graham outlined a potential post-diplomacy scenario, suggesting that if talks falter, "President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz over by force." He elaborated that the U.S. would then control the strait, charge transit fees to cover operational costs, and aim to expand the Abraham Accords in 2026. Graham further warned that if Iran contests U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz, "we will obliterate them." He also indicated that if Iran continues to attack Israel and Lebanon, the new policy would involve striking Iran. Earlier, Graham had voiced strong opposition to the initial terms of the deal, particularly the proposed $300 billion in reconstruction funds for Iran, which he likened to a "Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge." However, his stance has evolved, now believing that U.S.-allied Gulf states might provide the funds, which he views as a positive sign indicating that "the Sunni Arabs believe that Iran has changed." While still calling the memorandum of understanding "problematic," Graham believes the financial aid would be insufficient to significantly alter Iran's future.

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Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail. What happens next?