Republican Senator Lindsey Graham revealed the details of what he said was the scenario that the administration of US President Donald Trump expects in the event of the failure of the ongoing negotiations with Iran, confirming that he spent four and a half hours with the US President last Friday.
Graham said in statements to CBS News: “If this deal fails, President Trump will take the Strait of Hormuz by force. We will impose fees on everyone who passes through it to cover the costs of the operation, and if Iran disputes the United States over control of the Strait of Hormuz, we will destroy it.”
Graham’s statements come at a time when the Iranian file is witnessing rapid developments, after reaching a preliminary memorandum of understanding between Washington and Tehran that includes reopening the Strait of Hormuz to international navigation, in parallel with the continuation of negotiations regarding the Iranian nuclear program and other files.
The Strait of Hormuz is one of the most important strategic passages in the world, as about 20% of global oil supplies pass through it, which makes any tension in it have direct repercussions on global energy markets.
Graham’s statements reflect the hardline position he adopts towards Iran, in light of continuing doubts within American political circles about the chances of success of the current negotiations and Tehran’s commitment to any future understandings.
