Lindsey Graham Condemns War Powers Resolution, Urges Strong Action Against Iran’s Leadership
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham strongly criticized efforts in the Senate to advance a War Powers Resolution that would limit President Donald Trump’s authority to conduct military operations, warning that the move could undermine national security at a time of rising global instability.
Speaking during a televised interview, the South Carolina Republican argued that the War Powers Act, passed in 1973, represents an unconstitutional attempt by Congress to encroach on the president’s role as commander-in-chief. Graham said every president since its passage has rejected the notion that lawmakers can override executive military decisions, noting that U.S. presidents have conducted more than a hundred military operations without prior congressional approval.
According to Graham, Congress already has mechanisms to challenge a president’s military actions, including cutting off funding or pursuing impeachment if laws are broken. Allowing lawmakers to directly restrict military operations, he said, would effectively create “hundreds of commanders-in-chief” and weaken America’s ability to respond decisively to threats.
The senator also addressed escalating tensions in Iran, where widespread protests have challenged the country’s leadership. Graham praised President Trump’s public support for Iranian demonstrators, describing it as a historic departure from past U.S. policy. He said the administration’s stance has sent a clear signal that Washington is siding with the Iranian people rather than the ruling clerical establishment.
Graham stopped short of calling for a full-scale military invasion, emphasizing that he does not support deploying U.S. troops on the ground. However, he argued that rhetoric must be backed by concrete action that deters Iran’s leadership and empowers protesters. Any U.S. response, he said, should weaken those responsible for violence against civilians while strengthening popular resistance.
During the interview, Graham used particularly harsh language to describe Iran’s supreme leadership, calling for decisive measures to end what he characterized as decades of repression. He framed the current unrest as a pivotal moment, comparing it to historic turning points such as the fall of the Berlin Wall, and suggested that the outcome could reshape the Middle East for generations.
While acknowledging the risks involved, Graham maintained that failure to act decisively would embolden authoritarian regimes and prolong instability in the region. He concluded by urging the administration to remain aligned with protesters and to ensure that U.S. actions match its stated commitment to defending human rights and democratic aspirations.
