Lindsey Graham Defends Role in Pushing US Toward War With Iran

Senator Graham faces questions about the costs of the conflict as he seeks reelection in South Carolina

Mar. 17, 2026 at 3:18am

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More than three decades after arriving in Washington, Senator Lindsey Graham has everything he could want - President Trump's ear, a war in Iran, and a clear path to reelection in his home state. However, the unpopular conflict with no clear endgame is raising concerns about the costs to the Republican Party and the country as a whole in this election year where control of Congress hangs in the balance.

Why it matters

Graham has been a longtime advocate for confrontation with Iran, rejecting the nuclear deal and pushing for military action. His role in pushing the US toward war with Iran could reshape the midterm elections and his legacy as one of Washington's most outspoken hawks.

The details

Graham filed to run for a fifth term on Monday, revealing no doubts about his support for the war with Iran. He said he spoke to President Trump over the weekend to defend his role in the conflict, which he believes is necessary to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Critics have described Graham as a "homicidal maniac" and questioned his influence over Trump, but the senator remains confident in his approach.

  • Graham first arrived in Washington over three decades ago.
  • Graham filed to run for reelection in South Carolina on Monday, March 16, 2026.

The players

Lindsey Graham

A Republican senator from South Carolina who has been a longtime advocate for confrontation with Iran, rejecting the nuclear deal and pushing for military action. He filed to run for a fifth term on Monday.

Donald Trump

The President of the United States, who has developed a close relationship with Senator Graham and shares his affinity for bold military action.

Barack Obama

The former President of the United States, who negotiated the Iran nuclear deal that Graham rejected.

John McCain

The late Republican senator from Arizona, who was a longtime friend and ally of Lindsey Graham.

Jaime Harrison

The Democratic candidate who ran against Graham in the 2020 election.

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What they’re saying

“We haven't underestimated Iran at all. We're crushing them.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator

“If the radical cleric in Iran had a nuclear weapon, he would use it just as certainly as Hitler were to use it. He would kill all the Jews, and we're next.”

— Lindsey Graham, Senator

“Lindsey hasn't seen a fist fight he hasn't wanted to turn into a bombing raid.”

— Tim Burchett, Representative from Tennessee

“When did Lindsey Graham become our president?”

— Megyn Kelly (Social media)

“The problem with Lindsay Graham isn't (just) that he's a homicidal maniac, it's that Trump likes and is listening to him, and Trump's favorite channel' — a reference to Fox News — 'is parading him around like a Hefner bunny in stockings on every show.”

— Megyn Kelly (Social media)

What’s next

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The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.