Washington DC: US Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday issued a fierce, uncompromising warning regarding Middle East diplomacy, insisting that any potential deal with Tehran must not handcuff Israel's military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. The South Carolina Senator's high-stakes intervention comes at a critical geopolitical juncture, directly challenging a major diplomatic push from within the administration. According to a report by Lebanese media outlet LBCI, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively pushing for a full ceasefire in Lebanon, with a potential breakthrough announcement anticipated immediately following a high-level negotiation meeting scheduled for June 2nd. In a post on X, Senator Graham revealed he has been in direct communication with the White House, aligning himself with a maximalist approach to rewriting Washington's policy toward Tehran. In a post on X, he said, "In a recent conversation with President Trump, I affirmed my support for a deal with Iran that accepts President Trump's demand to open up the Strait of Hormuz and start negotiations about forever ending their nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism. I have confidence that at the end of the day, President Trump will not agree to a bad deal with Iran." Graham said that Israel must be allowed to neutralise Hezbollah, given the national threat it poses to Israel. "On a separate front, it is my belief that we must allow Israel to neutralise the threats the country faces from constant Hezbollah attacks emanating from Lebanon. There are parts of Israel that are uninhabitable because of Hezbollah missile and rocket fire." "It would be unconscionable to ask Israel to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, given Hezbollah's stated desire to destroy Israel and their constant attacks. Any ceasefire with Hezbollah would allow them to re-arm and become stronger. In my view, there must not be any linkage between an Iran deal and Israel's ability to fight back against Hezbollah's unceasing aggression in Lebanon. As to Hamas, how much longer are we going to give them to disarm? Let Israel finish them off. Any deal with Iran that restricts Israel's ability to fight back against Hamas and Hezbollah would be unwise," he added. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War, a policy research organisation, said that US President Donald Trump has requested several amendments to the draft US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), particularly related to Iran's highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile, according to a senior Trump administration official and a second unspecified source speaking to Axios. The current draft MoU requires Iran to commit to not pursue a nuclear weapon but does not include Iranian commitments about Iran's HEU stockpile or ability to enrich uranium on Iranian territory. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) The South Carolina Senator's high-stakes intervention comes at a critical geopolitical juncture, directly challenging a major diplomatic push from within the administration. According to a report by Lebanese media outlet LBCI, Secretary of State Marco Rubio is actively pushing for a full ceasefire in Lebanon, with a potential breakthrough announcement anticipated immediately following a high-level negotiation meeting scheduled for June 2nd. In a post on X, Senator Graham revealed he has been in direct communication with the White House, aligning himself with a maximalist approach to rewriting Washington's policy toward Tehran. In a post on X, he said, "In a recent conversation with President Trump, I affirmed my support for a deal with Iran that accepts President Trump's demand to open up the Strait of Hormuz and start negotiations about forever ending their nuclear ambitions and support for terrorism. I have confidence that at the end of the day, President Trump will not agree to a bad deal with Iran." Graham said that Israel must be allowed to neutralise Hezbollah, given the national threat it poses to Israel. "On a separate front, it is my belief that we must allow Israel to neutralise the threats the country faces from constant Hezbollah attacks emanating from Lebanon. There are parts of Israel that are uninhabitable because of Hezbollah missile and rocket fire." "It would be unconscionable to ask Israel to accept a ceasefire with Hezbollah, given Hezbollah's stated desire to destroy Israel and their constant attacks. Any ceasefire with Hezbollah would allow them to re-arm and become stronger. In my view, there must not be any linkage between an Iran deal and Israel's ability to fight back against Hezbollah's unceasing aggression in Lebanon. As to Hamas, how much longer are we going to give them to disarm? Let Israel finish them off. Any deal with Iran that restricts Israel's ability to fight back against Hamas and Hezbollah would be unwise," he added. Meanwhile, the Institute for the Study of War, a policy research organisation, said that US President Donald Trump has requested several amendments to the draft US-Iran memorandum of understanding (MoU), particularly related to Iran's highly enriched uranium (HEU) stockpile, according to a senior Trump administration official and a second unspecified source speaking to Axios. The current draft MoU requires Iran to commit to not pursue a nuclear weapon but does not include Iranian commitments about Iran's HEU stockpile or ability to enrich uranium on Iranian territory. (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel) (You can now subscribe to our Economic Times WhatsApp channel)
Iranian Official
The Iranian government condemns Senator Lindsey Graham's remarks as blatant US foreign aggression and interference in regional affairs, aimed at pressuring Tehran to surrender its sovereign control over the Strait of Hormuz and its peaceful nuclear program. Such maximalist demands, aligned with Israeli interests, represent a direct challenge to Iran's right to defend itself and support resistance forces like Hezbollah against ongoing occupation and threats. Iran remains resolute in rejecting any deal that compromises its sovereignty, reaffirming its commitment to resistance against external dictates.
Israeli
Senator Lindsey Graham warned that any US deal with Iran must not restrict Israel's operations against the Islamic Republic's proxy armiesâHamas and Hezbollahâwhich together form an existential ring of fire threatening Israel's survival through Iranian-supplied rockets, tunnels, and terrorist infrastructure. This stance directly challenges Secretary Rubio's push for a Lebanon ceasefire, reflecting Israel's imperative to dismantle Hezbollah's offensive capabilities before they can execute Tehran's next multi-front assault. Graham's White House contacts underscore that only a maximalist agreement ending Iran's nuclear drive and proxy terrorism can allow Israel the defensive latitude required for its security.
Neutral
US Senator Lindsey Graham posted on X that he had discussed with President Trump a potential Iran deal requiring access to the Strait of Hormuz and talks on ending nuclear programs and terrorism support, adding that Israel should be permitted to neutralize threats from Hezbollah. He expressed confidence that Trump would reject any unsatisfactory agreement. A Lebanese media report stated that Secretary of State Marco Rubio is pursuing a Lebanon ceasefire, with an announcement possibly following a June 2 meeting.
Western
Senator Lindsey Graham has stressed that any deal with Tehran must preserve Israel's freedom to conduct precise operations neutralizing Hezbollah and Hamas threats. Aligning with strategic priorities, Graham endorsed terms requiring Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz, curb its nuclear program, and end support for terrorism. This approach prioritizes threat elimination and secure maritime access over premature ceasefires.
Pro-Peace
Senator Lindsey Graham's push to shield Israel's operations against Hezbollah from any Iran deal risks prolonging Lebanon's devastating conflict, where civilian casualties and displacement have already mounted amid relentless strikes. This stance clashes with Secretary Rubio's reported ceasefire initiative ahead of June 2 talks, which could curb further humanitarian suffering through diplomacy rather than escalation. Emphasizing talks on nuclear limits and the Strait of Hormuz offers a clearer path to de-escalation and reduced civilian harm across the region.
Global South
US Senator Lindsey Grahamâs intervention exposes Washingtonâs neo-colonial grip on Middle East diplomacy, demanding that any Iran deal preserve Israelâs freedom to strike Hezbollah and Hamas while sidelining Lebanese sovereignty and regional self-determination. By tying a potential ceasefireâreportedly advanced by Secretary Rubioâto US-Israeli security priorities rather than Lebanese consent, the episode underscores how external powers continue to override the autonomy of Global South states. This pattern reveals the persistent failure of international institutions to shield nations like Lebanon from great-power bargaining over their territory and security.
Washington DC: US Senator Lindsey Graham on Sunday issued a fierce, uncompromising warning regarding Middle East diplomacy, insisting that any potential deal with Tehran must not handcuff Israel's military operations against Hamas and Hezbollah. The South Carolina Senator's high-âŚ
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A tanker identified as the Kaifan was struck by an unknown projectile northeast of Omanâs Limah in the Strait of Hormuz, according to a July 21 report from UK Maritime Trade Operations. No ships were observed transiting the strait that day. Attribution of the strike and links to prior incidents have not been confirmed by the vesselâs owner.
Goldman Sachs has projected Brent crude averaging $80 per barrel in the fourth quarter and $75 in the following year, conditional on reduced Middle East tensions, while noting upside risks from potential shipping disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz or Red Sea.
Brent prices rose above $91 per barrel amid recent U.S.-Iran exchanges and Houthi threats to Saudi shipments before edging lower on Tuesday. A senior Iranian official told Reuters that mediators had proposed a 10-day ceasefire to preserve an interim agreement.
Opening summary: Iran claims attacks on strait of Hormuz ships amid fresh US strikes Welcome to our live coverage of the latest developments in the Middle East crisis. Iran attacked a tanker in the strait of Hormuz early on Tuesday, forcing its crew to abandon the ship, as Yemenâs Iran-backed Houthis announced they were imposing an immediate maritime blockade of Saudi Arabia in the Red Sea after the two sides traded fire last week for the first time in years.
A Houthi official said the Bab al-Mandeb strait â at the southern end of the Red Sea, through which about 12% of the worldâs trade usually passes â would be closed to the Saudis in response to the kingdomâs âunjust blockade on Yemenis for over 10 yearsâ.
Saudi Arabia said it would take âall necessary measures to protect its vessels in accordance with international lawâ. A 10 consecutive night of US airstrikes has not compelled Tehran to loosen its grip on the strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global energy supplies.
But even as Iranâs president said the country had returned âfull-scale warâ, the Iranian interior minister travelled to Pakistan â a key mediator in the conflict â for talks. In key developments: The latest US strikes came hours after Donald Trump said Iran would pay âmany times overâ for killing US soldiers after multiple service members were killed in action over the weekend.
A tanker came under attack early Tuesday in the Hormuz strait off Oman, forcing the crew to abandon the vessel, the British militaryâs United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations centre said. Iranâs Revolutionary Guards claimed the attack as well as two other attacks on ships in the waterway on Monday.
The US militaryâs Central Command said its latest airstrikes were to âdegradeâ Iranâs ability to attack commercial shipping in the strait and included hitting military command centres and missile and drone launch sites. Iranian media reported strikes in parts of the country including Bandar Abbas, Tabriz and Bushehr, home to the countryâs only operational civilian nuclear power.
Iranâs launched attacks in response against Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, which all host US forces. Oil prices softened after hitting their highest levels in more than a month in the previous session. Brent crude futures eased 0.4% to $88.87 a barrel by 0052 GMT on Tuesday while US West Texas Intermediate crude for September delivery was steady at $82.
47 a barrel. Democrats have seized on the deaths of three US troops killed in Iranian strikes to urge Trump to urgently reverse his resumption of the war with Iran amid widespread anxiety over climbing casualties. The Lebanese army began taking charge of security in three southern villages, the US said, as a deal to secure an Israeli withdrawal from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah faced its first test on the ground.
US forces struck the tanker Settebello in the Gulf of Oman on June 10, killing three Indian crew members when munitions hit the engine room and adjacent areas. Maritime tracking data indicate the vessel had transported Iranian oil under US sanctions for several years and conducted offshore transfers prior to the strike.
The US military described the action as a precision operation, while reports note the ship was stationary at the time.