Graham: Trump Ready to Use Military Force Against Iran Over Hormuz Deadline

A senior Republican senator has warned that Donald Trump is prepared to unleash 'overwhelming military force' against Iran if the regime fails to meet a deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz. Lindsey Graham, a close ally of the president, said he is 'completely convinced' Trump would take decisive action if Tehran continues to block the strategic waterway and refuses a diplomatic deal. In a post on X after speaking directly with Trump, Graham described a 'massive military operation' as a viable option unless Iran 'chooses wisely.' He backed the president's ultimatum to the Iranian regime, emphasizing that the consequences of defiance would be severe. Graham claimed Iran had already been 'severely crippled' by what he called Operation Epic Fury, adding that the regime's 'reign of terror' in the region should be brought to an end, preferably through diplomacy. Yet he made clear that Washington is prepared to act if talks fail, stating he had no doubt Trump 'means what he says' and would use overwhelming force if Iran continues to impede the waterway.

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world's most critical chokepoints, with roughly a fifth of global oil supplies passing through it each day. Any escalation in the region could send shockwaves through energy markets and beyond. The warning comes after Trump issued an ominous but misspelled threat on his Truth Social website, writing: 'Remember when I gave Iran ten days to MAKE A DEAL or OPEN UP THE HORMUZ STRAIT. Time is running out - 48 hours before all Hell will reign (sic) down on them. Glory be to GOD!' His post, which confused 'reign' with 'rain,' highlights the rising tensions over the vital shipping channel central to the global oil trade.

Trump initially set a deadline to reopen the Strait for late March but extended it to April 6 at 8pm ET after Iran requested more time. If the deadline lapses, Trump has said he is willing to resume bombing Iran's energy infrastructure. Graham echoed this warning, stating he fully supports the president's ultimatum to the Iranian regime to open the Strait and agree to a peace deal. He reiterated that a 'massive military operation' awaits Iran if it chooses poorly, adding that the regime has been 'severely crippled' through Operation Epic Fury.

Trump's latest threat follows a post on Friday in which he claimed, 'we can easily OPEN THE HORMUZ STRAIT, TAKE THE OIL, & MAKE A FORTUNE.' Graham, a long-time hawk on Iran policy, has consistently advocated for a tougher stance against Tehran. The South Carolina senator has previously suggested that toppling Iran's leadership could be a historic foreign policy moment for Trump and has repeatedly urged a more aggressive US approach in the region. Critics argue his influence over the president, combined with his support for military intervention, makes him one of the most hardline figures shaping US policy on Iran.

Graham, a former US Air Force reserve colonel and military lawyer, has been openly hostile to Tehran for decades. He backed efforts in the 1990s to isolate the regime and curb its nuclear and missile ambitions. Since the war in Iran began on February 28, the Strait has become a flashpoint, with Iran asserting control over the route and implementing a blockade against nations supporting the American-Israeli war effort. So far, access has been granted to ships from countries Tehran deems 'friendly,' including China, Russia, India, Iraq, and Pakistan. The situation underscores the high stakes of the standoff, with the Strait's reopening now tied to both diplomacy and military readiness.

A French vessel has made history, becoming the first ship from a Western nation to pass through the strategically vital Strait of Hormuz in over a week. The move comes after days of heightened tensions between regional powers and the United States, which had imposed a naval blockade in response to escalating hostilities. "This is a symbolic victory for maritime freedom," said Captain Élise Moreau, who commanded the MV *Horizon*, a 250-meter-long container ship. "We were prepared for delays, but the route was clear when we entered the strait."

The incident underscores the fragile balance of power in the region. For over a week, the strait—through which nearly 20% of the world's oil passes—had been effectively closed to Western vessels after a coalition of Middle Eastern nations imposed restrictions. The blockade, initially intended to deter unauthorized shipping, had drawn sharp criticism from European Union officials, who warned of economic repercussions. "This is not just about one ship," said French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna during a press briefing. "It's about respecting international law and ensuring the free flow of commerce."

Analysts suggest the French vessel's passage may signal a shift in strategy. The ship, carrying 4,500 containers of machinery and electronics, was escorted by two French frigates, a move that demonstrated both diplomatic and military resolve. "This is a calculated risk," said Dr. Amir Khan, a maritime security expert at the London School of Economics. "France is sending a message: the world cannot be divided into zones of influence."

Local fishermen in the Strait's waters reported unusual activity in the days leading up to the vessel's arrival. "We saw drones and radar scans from multiple directions," said Ahmed Al-Sayed, a fisherman from Iran. "It felt like the sea itself was being watched." The ship's passage was also closely monitored by the International Maritime Organization, which issued a statement praising the "cooperative spirit" displayed by all parties involved.

The move has sparked a diplomatic ripple effect. The United States has yet to comment publicly, but sources within the Pentagon suggest the incident could lead to renewed talks on de-escalation. Meanwhile, China and Russia have expressed support for France's actions, with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov calling it "a necessary step toward global stability."

As the *Horizon* continued its journey toward the Arabian Gulf, the ship's crew shared mixed emotions. "We're proud to be part of this," said deckhand Luis Martinez. "But we're also aware that the situation is far from resolved." With tensions still simmering and the strait's future in question, the vessel's passage may mark the beginning of a new chapter—or the prelude to another crisis.