Lindsey Graham calls Trump ‘most consequential commander in chief,’ says victory in sight

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Lindsey Graham publicly praised President Donald Trump’s leadership on Monday, March 2, amid the ongoing US military operation targeting Iran, describing the campaign as historic and ahead of schedule.

The South Carolina Republican said the operation had significantly weakened Iran’s capabilities and praised the US service members involved.

Meanwhile, Trump outlined a tentative timeline for the campaign’s conclusion and indicated openness to diplomatic talks. The developments come as scrutiny grows over the operation’s scope and its long-term implications.

Lindsey Graham calls operation ‘One of the Most Impressive’ in US history

In a post on X, Graham described Operation Epic Fury as moving faster than expected and delivering substantial results.

“To say that Operation Epic Fury is ahead of schedule is a tremendous understatement. This is one of the most impressive military operations conceived in American history and it is being aggressively executed,” he wrote.

The senator added that Iran’s ability to launch attacks had been significantly reduced.

“Iran’s capability to generate attacks has been reduced by 50% and their security infrastructure, which is the iron fist of the regime, is under siege,” Graham said.

He further stated, “The leadership has been substantially decapitated, with more to come. Hats off to Admiral Cooper and all our men and women participating in this operation. You make us proud.”

Graham also credited the president’s leadership, writing, “Finally, President Trump is proving to be the most consequential commander in chief in modern times.” He concluded his post by stating, “Victory is in sight.”

President Trump, in a phone interview with The Daily Mail on Sunday, March 1, estimated that the operation would be completed within weeks.

“It’s always been a four-week process. We figured it will be four weeks or so,” he said. “It’s always been about a four-week process, so, as strong as it is, it’s a big country,  it’ll take four weeks or less.”

Graham rules out US boots on the ground, says Iran’s future ‘Not Our Job’

During an appearance on NBC News’ “Meet the Press” on Sunday, March 1, Graham addressed questions about Iran’s political future following the reported killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in joint US-Israeli strikes.

When pressed by moderator Kristen Welker on whether the United States had a plan to shape Iran’s next leadership, Graham argued that such decisions rest with the Iranian people. 

“It’s not his job or my job to do this,” Graham said. “How many times do I have to tell you? Our job is... to help the people reconstruct a new government. No boots on the ground.”

Graham argued that preventing Iran from continuing as a major sponsor of extremism was in the US interests. “It’s in America’s interest to make sure that Iran can no longer be the largest state sponsor of extremism,” he said.

“We’re close. Once the people decide what they want to do next, I don’t mind helping them, but I know what they’re not going to be allowed to do next, regenerate the largest state sponsor of extremism."