US Senator Lindsey Graham has issued a stark warning that a potential new Iran nuclear deal could fuel militancy in Lebanon and Iraq, while also escalating tensions in the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz. Speaking during a press conference, Graham emphasized that the agreement, as currently envisioned, would provide Iran with financial resources that could be funneled to proxy groups in the region.
Concerns Over Regional Stability
Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, argued that the deal would not only empower Iranian-backed militias in Lebanon and Iraq but also increase the risk of confrontations in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments. He stated that the United States must ensure any agreement includes robust verification measures and does not inadvertently strengthen Iran's destabilizing activities.
Impact on Lebanon and Iraq
The senator specifically pointed to Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shia militias in Iraq as potential beneficiaries of a relaxed sanctions regime. He warned that these groups, which have been involved in conflicts across the region, could receive enhanced support from Tehran, thereby undermining efforts to achieve lasting peace and security.
Strait of Hormuz Risks
Graham also highlighted the dangers posed to maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. He noted that Iran has previously threatened to disrupt shipping lanes in the strait, and a new deal might embolden such actions. The senator called for a comprehensive strategy that addresses Iran's ballistic missile program and its support for militant groups, alongside nuclear negotiations.
The remarks come amid ongoing diplomatic efforts to revive the 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), from which the US withdrew in 2018. Talks have been stalled, with both sides demanding concessions. Graham's warning reflects deep-seated skepticism among many US lawmakers about the efficacy of a new agreement without broader provisions addressing Iran's regional behavior.
