Graham defends Iran strikes, calls Kent’s resignation 'baseless'

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) on Tuesday, March 17, criticized former National Counterterrorism Center Director Joseph Kent following his resignation, rejecting Kent’s claims about the administration’s Iran policy.

In a series of posts on X, Graham described Kent’s position as inconsistent with available intelligence and said his assessment lacked factual support.

Graham’s response focused on the administration’s justification for launching “Operation Epic Fury,” pointing to what he described as concerns over Iran’s nuclear program. He said the decision to act was based on intelligence indicating potential risks tied to uranium enrichment.

Intelligence reveals massive Iranian uranium stockpile

Graham said US officials were informed during prior negotiations that Iran had accumulated approximately 460 kilograms of uranium enriched to 60%.

He stated that enrichment at that level does not serve civilian energy purposes and raised concerns about its potential use in weapons development.

According to Graham, moving from 60% enrichment to weapons-grade levels could occur within a relatively short timeframe.

He said the quantity cited could theoretically support the production of multiple nuclear weapons, though he did not provide independent verification of the claim.

The senator said this information played a role in shaping the administration’s decision-making.

Decision prevented ten potential nuclear bombs

Graham argued that the military campaign was intended to disrupt Iran’s nuclear capabilities before they could advance further. He said the administration chose a different approach from prior policies, emphasizing direct action rather than continued negotiations.

“President Trump authorized Operation Epic Fury,” Graham wrote, referring to the strikes targeting Iranian infrastructure. He said the objective was to reduce the risk of nuclear escalation.

Graham described the operation as a measure aimed at limiting Iran’s ability to develop nuclear weapons, though officials have not released detailed public assessments of the program’s current status.

Departure timed perfectly for new leadership

Addressing Kent’s resignation, Graham said the leadership change at the National Counterterrorism Center comes at a critical time as the administration continues to manage the conflict.

He suggested that future leadership should align closely with the administration’s national security assessments and policy direction.

Graham’s remarks underscore divisions within Washington over the scope of the threat posed by Iran and the appropriate response, as the administration continues to defend its military strategy.