Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a dramatic warning about the future of U.S.-Iran relations, claiming that the United States could take military control of the Strait of Hormuz if ongoing negotiations with Tehran break down.
Speaking during a television interview, the South Carolina Republican said the Trump administration would be prepared to take aggressive action if a final agreement cannot be reached.
“If this deal fails, Trump will seize the Strait by force,” Graham said. “The United States will take control of the strait and collect transit tariffs from ships passing through it.”
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most strategically important waterways, serving as a critical route for global oil and gas shipments. Any disruption in the region can have major consequences for international energy markets and the global economy.
Graham’s remarks came shortly after President Donald Trump suggested that shipping fees could eventually be imposed on vessels using the waterway if negotiations with Iran fail. According to Trump, no fees would be charged during the current 60-day negotiation period or if a permanent agreement is reached.
However, he indicated that a failed deal could lead to new charges for ships traveling through the strait, arguing that the United States provides security for the region and should be compensated for its role.
At the same time, tensions remain high between Washington and Tehran.
Reports from Iranian media indicated that Iran’s Revolutionary Guard naval forces had not yet granted transit clearance for vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz as of Sunday. Iranian officials have also warned that recent regional conflicts could threaten the broader understanding reached between the two countries.
Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baghaei said ongoing Israeli military actions in Lebanon could place the entire memorandum of understanding between Iran and the United States at risk.
Graham also warned Tehran against using Hezbollah as a proxy force against Israel.
“If Iran uses Hezbollah to attack Israel, the new policy will be that we will attack Iran,” the senator said.
Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian reiterated that Tehran would not abandon its uranium enrichment program, a key sticking point in negotiations with Washington.
“We will never back down from our right to uranium enrichment,” Pezeshkian said during remarks at a banking conference in Tehran.
The comments highlight the fragile state of the negotiations, as both sides continue to exchange warnings while attempting to reach a broader agreement that could reshape security and economic relations across the Middle East.
With energy markets closely watching developments, the future of the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most critical issues in the ongoing talks.
