Graham says ‘no reason’ to invade Iran, but Trump should ‘take’ Kharg Island

The Hill
by Ashleigh Fields
March 18, 2026
3 min read

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Senator Lindsey Graham said Trump should seize Kharg Island to cripple Iran's economy rather than invade the country.

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Sen. Lindsey Graham said Tuesday that President Trump has "no reason" to invade Iran but should seize Kharg Island to damage Tehran's economy. Graham told Fox News that the administration should focus on crippling Iran's ability to threaten U.S. interests rather than pursuing a full-scale invasion. Kharg Island is a strategic Persian Gulf location that serves as a major hub for Iran's oil exports, making it economically vital to the regime. The comments reflect an emerging Republican approach to Iran policy that emphasizes targeted economic pressure over regime change through military occupation. Graham's remarks suggest the Trump administration is weighing different escalation options amid broader tensions with Tehran.

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