Senator Lindsey Graham expressed skepticism on Sunday regarding the ongoing peace talks between the United States and Iran, predicting that the current diplomatic effort is likely to fail and warning of possible military action if negotiations break down. The South Carolina Republican acknowledged the significance of the 14-point memorandum of understanding signed last week, which initiated a 60-day negotiation period aiming toward a comprehensive agreement, but he voiced doubts about its prospects.
“I’d rather try diplomacy than take it off the table,” Graham said during an interview on CBS News’ “Face the Nation.” However, he added that if diplomacy proves ineffective, the U.S. may have to resort to military measures or other forms of coercion. He forecasted that President Donald Trump would seek to assert U.S. control over the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz by force if negotiations fail. “If this deal fails, President Trump is going to take the Strait of Hormuz over by force,” Graham stated. He went further, saying that any Iranian attempts to contest U.S. control would prompt a severe military response, telling the outlet, “If Iran contests control of the Strait of Hormuz by the United States, we will obliterate them.”
Graham also suggested a shift in U.S. policy toward Iran-linked groups, specifically mentioning Hezbollah. He warned that in the event of attacks by Hezbollah on Israel, the U.S. would consider targeting Iran directly.
Meanwhile, tension surfaced at the outset of the talks held in Switzerland, where Iranian negotiators declined to participate in a joint photo session and handshake with the American delegation. Iran’s Tasnim news agency described the event as a U.S. “media show,” framing Iran’s absence as a deliberate snub. U.S. officials dismissed these claims as opportunistic propaganda, maintaining that the incident did not impede the negotiation process.
The U.S. delegation was led by Secretary of State Mike Vance, accompanied by special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Trump’s son-in-law. A senior U.S. diplomat involved in the discussions sought to downplay the disruption, confirming that talks were continuing and that both sides remained present at the venue. The diplomat reported ongoing efforts to clarify Iran’s earlier ambiguous statements regarding the Strait of Hormuz and to develop deconfliction mechanisms aimed at ensuring the strait remains open.
Discussions also addressed enforcing a ceasefire in southern Lebanon. The official characterized the current sessions as an initial phase, intended to lay the groundwork for continued technical negotiations moving forward. Despite uncertainties expressed by some U.S. lawmakers, U.S. representatives involved emphasized commitment to pursuing diplomacy as a primary avenue.