Graham: No Lebanon Stability Without Halting Iran's Hezbollah Support

Any negotiated settlement with Tehran must demand an end to Iran's official sponsorship of terrorism and its backing of groups like Hezbollah, according to US Senator Lindsey Graham. The Republican lawmaker made the statement on his X account, stressing that any agreement must contain clear, unambiguous terms stating that continued Iranian support for its proxies will trigger the severest consequences.

"Without stopping Iranian support for the proxies, stability will not be achieved in Lebanon and Syria, and Israel will not enjoy security," Graham wrote. He argued that as long as Tehran funds and arms its regional allies, lasting peace in those countries remains out of reach.

Graham also described the "Freedom Plus" initiative as "interesting," highlighting its potential to "change the rules of the game" by securing international shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz and countering Iranian moves. He proposed that the "plus" component of the project involve a broader coalition of international partners, relying on limited military activity to safeguard navigation.