Lindsey Graham issues stark warning to Iran’s Supreme Leader over protest crackdown

Lindsey Graham’s comments illustrate the broader political pressure within the US for a more aggressive posture toward Iran
PUBLISHED JAN 7, 2026
Lindsey Graham said President Donald Trump will have Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed if Iran’s government continues cracking down on protesters in the country (Lindsey Graham/X, Getty Images)
Lindsey Graham said President Donald Trump will have Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed if Iran’s government continues cracking down on protesters in the country (Lindsey Graham/X, Getty Images)

WASHINGTON, DC: Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) grabbed attention this week with a direct warning for Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

On live TV, Graham didn’t hold back. He said if Iranian leaders keep using deadly force against protesters, they’ll face serious consequences, a message that reflects growing US frustration over Iran’s domestic crackdown and regional actions.

For good measure, Graham called Trump 'the greatest president of all time.'

Trump would order Ayatollah Ali Khamenei killed, says Lindsey Graham

During an interview that aired on national television, Graham did not mince words when addressing the situation in Iran.



In a direct address to Iran’s people, he said, “We support you. Donald J Trump is not Barack Obama. He has your back.”

“And to the Ayatollah, you need to understand, if you keep killing your people who are demanding a better life, Donald J Trump is gonna kill you.” Graham said directly addressing Iran’s leadership and Khamenei.

Smoke rises after a reported Israeli strike on a building used by Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, part of Iran's state TV broadcaster, on June 16, 2025 in Tehran, Iran. Over recent days, Iran has been hit by a series of Israeli airstrikes targeting military and nuclear sites, as well as top military officials, and launched its own counterattack on Israel ( Stringer/Getty Images)
Smoke rises after a reported Israeli strike on a building used by Islamic Republic of Iran News Network, part of Iran's state TV broadcaster, in Tehran, Iran (Stringer/Getty Images)

“Change is coming to Iran. It’ll be the biggest change in the history of the Middle East to get rid of this Nazi regime. To the people of Iran, help is on the way”, he continued.

The comments also included a warning that President Donald Trump would hold Iran’s leaders accountable for brutality against protesters and for destabilizing regional behavior.

Lindsey Graham lauds Trump and praises him in interview

Graham, a foreign policy hawk, appeared on Tuesday’s ‘Hannity’ on Fox News, where he once again praised the president’s action against Venezuela.



And this time, the senator named Trump as the best president the US has ever had.

He said, “If you defy [Trump], if you’re one of the holdovers and you try to undercut him, what happened to Maduro is gonna happen to you.” “Donald J Trump, in my view, is the greatest president of all time,” he praised Trump.

Pictured (L-R): Donald Trump, Lindsey Graham (Getty Images)
Donald Trump and Lindsey Graham (Getty Images)

The senator spoke out while huge protests keep shaking Iran.

People there are angry, fed up with political crackdowns, money troubles, and years of frustration with their leaders.

Security forces have hit back hard, and that’s put Iran in the global spotlight. Western governments are criticizing the crackdown and hitting Iran with new sanctions.

Lindsey Graham on Monday posted a picture of himself with President Donald Trump holding a 'Make Iran Great Again' hat.



“Another great day with @POTUS, who has brought America back, stronger than ever, at home and abroad. God bless our Commander in Chief and all of the brave men and women who serve under him,” he wrote on X.

The protests have also inflamed tensions between the US and Iran, with American officials increasingly vocal in their support for demonstrators and condemnation of Tehran’s response.

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