Sen. Lindsey Graham says President Donald Trump would respond with force if Iran contests U.S. control of the Strait of Hormuz. Graham’s comments frame the Strait as a critical U.S.-managed chokepoint and he argues that if diplomatic efforts do not produce a long-term peace arrangement between the United States and Iran, the United States would take control “by force.” In the same remarks, Graham also suggests that the U.S. would impose a fee on vessels transiting the Strait if the situation escalates, citing Iran’s alleged actions to disrupt shipping. The two outlets report Graham’s characterization of a potential U.S. response in strong terms, using language such as “obliterate,” while also describing the conditions he links to such an outcome—namely failed negotiations and renewed contestation by Iran. Neither outlet reports new, independently verified operational details about specific U.S. military actions, ship-fee policy, or an agreement with Iran, but both present Graham’s predictions as his view of what could occur under an escalated scenario involving the Strait of Hormuz.