US senator mentions Iran bombings in threat to Russia
(MENAFN) U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham has referenced recent U.S. airstrikes on Iran while backing President Donald Trump’s ultimatum to Russia and its trading partners, implying that military action could follow if Moscow ignores Washington’s demands.
On Monday, Trump threatened to impose new economic sanctions on Russia and any nation purchasing Russian goods unless the Ukraine conflict is resolved within 50 days. Graham, a co-sponsor of bipartisan legislation supporting these sanctions, reinforced Trump’s warning by invoking the U.S. bombing campaign against Iran last month.
“If President [Vladimir] Putin and others are wondering what happens on day 51, I would suggest they call the Ayatollah,” Graham posted on X (formerly Twitter). He added, “If I were a country buying cheap Russian oil and supporting Putin’s war machine, I would take President Trump seriously.”
Russian officials have repeatedly stated that no amount of foreign pressure will sway Moscow from pursuing its objectives in Ukraine. Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov criticized the West, arguing that additional sanctions primarily harm Western economies.
In June, Israel launched strikes against Iranian nuclear sites, claiming it was a preemptive measure to stop Tehran’s nuclear ambitions. After Iran retaliated, Israel threatened further escalation, including the assassination of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Following nearly two weeks of hostilities, the U.S. ramped up its involvement, moving from intercepting missiles to targeting Iran’s nuclear infrastructure directly. Trump declared that U.S. forces had “obliterated” the sites. Moscow condemned both the U.S. and Israel, accusing them of undermining global nuclear non-proliferation efforts.
Graham’s legislation, co-authored with Senator Richard Blumenthal, proposes tariffs of up to 500% on imports from countries continuing to buy Russian raw materials, with China as the main target. Graham described the bill as a “sledgehammer” for Congress to hand Trump.
On Tuesday, China reaffirmed its opposition to sanctions, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stating that “dialogue and negotiation are the only viable solution” to the Ukraine conflict.
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