US Sen. Lindsey Graham commended fellow Sen. John Fetterman for his stance on the ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, highlighting Fetterman’s support for potential US military force to aid demonstrators and undermine the regime.
In a post on Monday, Graham addressed Fetterman directly.
“To my good friend [Sen. John Fetterman]: on many issues, particularly foreign policy, you have a clear-eyed assessment and a common sense approach,” Graham wrote.
“The protestors in Iran have had it with the brutal regime. President Trump told them he has their back, which was truly a moment in history.”
“Senator Fetterman, your statement that you would support military force to protect the protestors and weaken the regime is welcomed and impactful. It will be a big shot in the arm to those brave Iranians in the streets demanding the end of their oppression. It will also be remembered in history as consequential. On behalf of the long suffering people of Iran, thank you.”
Graham’s comments referenced Fetterman’s appearance on CNN’s “News Central” earlier Monday, where the Pennsylvania Democrat voiced openness to US involvement amid Iran’s crackdown on protests that have entered their third week.
Asked by anchor Kate Bolduan if he wants the US to get involved militarily, Fetterman replied: “Sure, absolutely. And now if it continues to make more sense, absolutely.”
He added that he was the only Democrat to fully support previous US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities last year, noting: “Without those kinds of strikes, Iran could have acquired a nuclear bomb.”
Fetterman emphasized support for the protesters, stating: “Those brave protesters, they’ve killed probably more than 600 by now. So now why would we want to have the kinds of targeted kinds of action that could break that regime?”
He described himself as “inspired by the real kinds of courage that those protesters in Iran are demonstrated now,” and said: “I don’t know why we can’t all want to support that to back them and now bring that awful regime to its knees.”
The protests have resulted in at least 544 deaths and over 10,000 arrests in the last 15 days, according to a US-based human rights group.
President Trump, speaking overnight, said he is considering “very strong military options” while noting Iran has reached out for negotiations.
