May 21 2019

Graham on Iran Threats Briefing

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement after the congressional briefing about threats from Iran.

“Outstanding briefing today from Acting Secretary of Defense Patrick Shanahan, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Joseph Dunford. The threat streams from Iran against American interests are real and severe. 

“The Trump administration has shown amazing restraint in the face of escalating aggressions from Iran.  The Iranian-directed attacks on four ships, sabotaging other nations’ pipelines, and the firing of rockets into the Green Zone in Iraq have not yet led to a military response. 

“It is clear to me that the Iranians are pushing back against the economic pressure created by the Trump administration.  The maximum pressure campaign on Iran is working. 

“I’m confident that if the Iranians harm one American – in Iraq or anywhere else – they will pay a heavy price. The Trump administration will respond militarily and in an overwhelming fashion. The Obama-era policy of Iranian appeasement is over.  The days of Iran killing Americans – without consequence – is over.   

“The only way to protect Americans serving overseas is to have their back. I am proud President Trump is standing up for those who are serving in harm’s way.”

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