US senator demands congressional vote on Iran deal, backing pressure strategy aligned with Israel’s security.
US Senator Lindsey Graham said Saturday that any agreement between the United States and Iran must satisfy America’s national security interests and be formally reviewed by Congress.
Writing on social media, Graham said he hopes diplomacy could produce an outcome that protects US security while benefiting the Iranian people, but warned that Tehran’s long record of violating agreements makes any deal difficult to justify.
“With Iran’s behavior regarding past deals, this would be a tough sell,” Graham wrote. “Any agreement between the Islamic Republic and the United States must come before Congress for review and a vote.”
The senator has consistently taken a hardline stance against Tehran, arguing that diplomatic concessions without structural change only embolden the regime. Last week, he publicly opposed renewed negotiations, asserting that lasting peace in the Middle East is impossible while Iran’s current leadership remains in power.
“The biggest thing you could do for the Middle East is take this regime down,” Graham said in an interview with Fox News, describing Iran’s leadership as weaker than at any point since 1979.
Addressing President Donald Trump, Graham added, “Mr. President, you can do it. I hope you will do it.”
Graham’s remarks echo longstanding Israeli concerns that Iran uses negotiations to buy time while advancing nuclear and missile capabilities—reinforcing calls in Washington and Jerusalem for sustained pressure, strict oversight, and zero tolerance for nuclear escalation.
