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    Lindsey Graham, the US Senator who pushed President Trump to strike Iran's nuclear facilities

    Synopsis

    Senator Lindsey Graham influenced President Trump to launch military strikes against Iran's nuclear facilities, framing it as a way to counter the Afghanistan withdrawal. Graham, known for his hawkish stance, argued that U.S. involvement was crucial for national security. The strikes, praised by Graham as "bold" and "brilliant," mark a significant moment in U.S.-Iran relations.

    Lindsey Graham, the US Senator who pushed President Trump to strike Iran's nuclear facilitiesReuters
    Lindsey Graham, the US Senator who pushed President Trump to strike Iran's nuclear facilities REUTERS/Nathan Howard
    Senator Lindsey Graham, the South Carolina Republican known for his hawkish foreign policy and colorful personal history, has once again shaped the course of U.S. national security—this time by swaying President Donald Trump to launch military strikes against Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    Senator Graham revealed that he repeatedly urged President Trump to strike Iran’s nuclear facilities by framing the action as a way to “reset the damage done by [the] Afghanistan withdrawal” under President Joe Biden. In an interview, Graham explained his pitch: “Israel’s done a magnificent job, but we need to have our fingerprints on this too. It’s in our national security interest to be part of this”.

    From small-town roots to global headlines

    Lindsey Olin Graham was born on July 9, 1955, in Central, South Carolina, to Florence and Millie Graham. He earned the childhood nickname “Stinkball” for sneaking sips of beer and puffs of cigarettes from patrons at the local bar his parents ran.

    Graham’s childhood was marked by hard work and tragedy—he lost both parents while still in college and became the legal guardian of his younger sister, Darline. This early responsibility shaped his character and work ethic, driving him to complete his education at the University of South Carolina, where he earned both a bachelor’s degree and a law degree.

    Graham is a lifelong bachelor with no children, a fact that has often drawn public curiosity. He has spoken candidly about his single status, joking about having a “rotating First Lady” if he ever became president. Despite not marrying, Graham emphasizes his close relationship with his sister and extended family, and his memoir, My Story, offers glimpses into his personal life and the values that guide him.

    Lindsey Graham’s political career spans decades. He began his public service as a lawyer in the U.S. Air Force before being elected to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1994. In 2003, he moved to the U.S. Senate, where he became known for his bipartisan work and his close friendship with the late Senator John McCain. Initially, Graham was a sharp critic of Donald Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign, famously calling Trump a “jackass” and clashing with him over comments about McCain. Their public feud even led Trump to read out Graham’s personal cellphone number at a rally.

    Despite their rocky start, Graham and Trump’s relationship transformed dramatically after Trump’s election. Graham became one of Trump’s most trusted Senate allies, often serving as a key advisor and frequent golf partner. He was known to speak with Trump multiple times a day, helping to translate congressional priorities for the president and offering political counsel. This close alliance allowed Graham to exert significant influence on Trump’s foreign policy decisions, including the push for military action against Iran.

    How much is he worth?

    Unlike some of his Senate colleagues, Graham’s net worth is relatively modest for a career politician. As of 2025, estimates of his net worth range from $2 million to $4 million.The bulk of his wealth comes from his Senate salary—currently $174,000 per year—along with investments in mutual funds, corporate bonds, and real estate, including homes in South Carolina and Washington, D.C..

    The Iran mission: Graham’s influence on Trump

    Graham’s reputation as a foreign policy hawk was on full display as tensions escalated with Iran. According to sources close to the White House, Graham was instrumental in convincing Trump that military action was necessary to halt Iran’s nuclear ambitions. While other advisors urged restraint, Graham argued that only a decisive strike would send a clear message to Tehran and America’s allies.

    “There’s a one in a trillion chance you’ll degrade the Iranian nuclear program through diplomacy,” Graham reportedly told Trump, insisting that military force was the only effective option.

    The result: a coordinated U.S. strike on key Iranian nuclear sites, a move Graham called “bold” and “brilliant” on the Senate floor. He praised Trump’s decision, declaring, “President Trump acted, and it was brilliant, it was bold, and it will live in history.”





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