GOP Sen. Lindsey Graham says he supports pursuing diplomacy with Iran, but he predicts a diplomatic approach will ultimately fail. Speaking on CBS News’ “Face the Nation” with Margaret Brennan, Graham argued that if there is not a viable diplomatic path laid out in the agreement framework—described by the outlets as a memorandum of understanding—then the United States would face alternatives that he characterized as war or other forms of coercion.
Graham also referenced Iran’s nuclear program and the strategic need to keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Multiple outlets report that he said President Trump’s “backup plan” would likely involve taking action related to the waterway. While the outlets differ in how directly they describe the nature of that action, they all attribute to Graham the view that military or coercive measures may follow if diplomacy does not produce results. Overall, the reporting centers on Graham’s skepticism that negotiations will prevent escalation and his expectation that stronger measures could be forthcoming if talks collapse.
