Staff Reports
In a bold and fiery statement, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) issued a warning to Iran and its proxy group Hezbollah, stating that if Hezbollah were to launch a massive attack on Israel, the United States would not hesitate to take action. Senator Graham made this statement during an interview on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” This warning comes on the heels of a series of devastating attacks on Israel by Hamas, a group also backed by Iran, resulting in the deaths of hundreds of innocent civilians and prompting a strong response from Jerusalem.
Lindsey Graham Issues 'Escalation Warning' to Iran
The top GOP senator delivered a warning to both Iran and Hezbollah amid the Israel–Hamas conflict.https://t.co/Doo7jldzZ1 pic.twitter.com/j1Vq24tuwl
— The Epoch Times (@EpochTimes) October 17, 2023
The GOP senator did not mince his words, declaring his intention to introduce a resolution in the United States Senate that would allow for military action by both the United States and Israel to eliminate Iran’s foothold in the oil industry. Senator Graham firmly addressed Iran, stating, “If you escalate this war, we’re coming for you.” It is clear that he holds Iran accountable for the actions of its proxy groups, believing that any aggression by Hezbollah against Israel would be at the behest of Iran.
Hezbollah, founded in 1982 by Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, emerged as a force during Lebanon’s civil war. Sharing Iran’s Shi’ite Islamist ideology, the group recruited Lebanese Shi’ite Muslims and has since gained significant influence over the Lebanese state. While the United States and many Western governments consider Hezbollah a terrorist organization, Iranian officials have publicly praised Hamas’s recent attack on Israel, although they initially denied involvement.
Senator Graham, known for his hawkish stance on foreign policy, expressed disbelief at the notion that Iran had no involvement in the Hamas assault. He scoffed at the idea that Iran would have only learned of the operation through media reports. When asked if he wanted war with Iran, the senator clarified that his goal was to use military force to target the source of funding for Hezbollah and Hamas. In his words, “They’re the great evil. So, if Hezbollah escalates against Israel, it will be because Iran told them to. Then Iran, you’re in the crosshairs of the United States and Israel.”
As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues, Gaza remains under siege, with the most intense bombardment and blockade by Israel. Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced within Gaza, and diplomatic efforts to arrange a ceasefire have failed. Meanwhile, Israel has ordered the evacuation of villages near its border with Lebanon, raising concerns of the war spreading to a new front. The situation in Gaza is dire, with power outages, lack of clean water, and dwindling emergency supplies. The death toll continues to rise, primarily among civilians.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged the severity of the conflict and warned Iran not to make the same mistake they once did, referencing past conflicts. He declared that Israel is determined to charge forward to victory and sent a clear message to Iran and Hezbollah, stating, “Don’t test us in the north. Don’t make the same mistake you once made. Because today the price you will pay will be much heavier.” With tensions escalating and no signs of immediate resolution, the situation in the Middle East remains highly volatile.
