Senator Lindsey Graham's decades-long push for military intervention against Iran culminated in the recent war. Graham, a prominent Republican senator, consistently advocated for a confrontation with the Islamist regime, viewing Iran as an impediment to stability and the expansion of the Abraham Accords in the Middle East. His efforts to convince Donald Trump to attack Iran began on the golf course, where he reportedly advised Trump to "blow some shit up" to combat issues like drug trafficking, and to build upon Middle East agreements. Graham saw collapsing the Iranian regime as a "Berlin Wall stuff" moment.
Graham's influence on Trump was significant, with observers noting he had the president's ear, though Trump ultimately made the final decisions. Graham met with Trump after the 2024 election to discuss a second-term agenda, where he continued to offer advice on foreign policy. He even had Trump sign a hat that read "Make Iran Great Again," signaling support for regime change. Graham also coached Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on how to convince Trump to bomb Iran, and is credited alongside Netanyahu and commentator Mark Levin for influencing Trump's decision to go to war.
Throughout his career, Graham consistently favored military interventions, specifically in the Middle East. He supported the 2003 invasion of Iraq, strongly opposed Russia and China, and was an unwavering advocate for Israel, securing an additional $1 billion in U.S. military aid for the country. His hawkish stance on Iran dates back to his time in the U.S. House in the 1990s, where he supported policies to isolate the country and limit its nuclear and missile programs. Despite his consistent pro-war position, especially on Iran, the war remains unpopular according to public opinion polls, and has led to rising oil prices and a spreading conflict in the Middle East.
Graham's relationship with Trump, though not always smooth, solidified into one where they golfed together and shared an affinity for bold military action. This alliance, along with Graham's relentless advocacy, was crucial in bringing about military action against Iran. Even after a 2021 Israeli assault on Gaza, Graham visited Israel and was photographed with Netanyahu with a sign saying "More for Israel." His legacy is defined by his staunch support for military interventions and his alliance with Trump, even as some conservatives and Democrats criticized his shift from anti-Trump sentiments to fervent support.
Michael Hanna, a program director at the International Crisis Group, noted that Graham's legacy would be marked by his advocacy for military interventions and his unwavering support for Trump. Hanna emphasized that while Graham was influential, numerous figures pushed for the war with Iran. Graham's stance has been described as that of a "child on Christmas morning who has gotten everything that he’s ever dreamed of," by Jon Hoffman of the Cato Institute, who suggested that while it aligns with Graham's ideology, it may not be in the country's best interest.
