Fact Check: "U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the U.S. needs to 'finish the job' with Iran during an interview on CBS' Face The Nation on a Sunday in October 2023."
What We Know
On October 1, 2023, U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham made a statement during an interview on CBS' Face The Nation, where he emphasized the need for the U.S. to "finish the job" with Iran. He articulated that while he preferred diplomatic measures, he was open to military action if necessary. Graham stated, "If diplomacy fails, Mr. President—President Trump, you've been great, help Israel finish the job. Give them bombs, fly with them if necessary" (source-2). His remarks came in the context of rising tensions between Israel and Iran, particularly concerning Iran's nuclear program.
Analysis
Senator Graham's comments have been reported consistently across multiple sources, confirming the authenticity of his statements. In a detailed report, it was noted that Graham encouraged President Trump to consider military action to assist Israel in its efforts against Iran, specifically targeting Iran's nuclear capabilities (source-4). This aligns with his broader stance on U.S. involvement in international conflicts, particularly those involving Iran.
The reliability of the sources reporting on Graham's statements is strong. The initial report from WCIV, a local ABC affiliate, provides a direct account of the interview, while other outlets like Raw Story and AOL corroborate the details (source-2, source-4). These sources are known for their coverage of political events and have a history of reporting accurately on similar topics.
However, it is important to note that while Graham's statements reflect a hawkish stance on Iran, they are also part of a broader political narrative that includes varying opinions on U.S. military involvement in foreign conflicts. Critics of Graham's position argue that such rhetoric could escalate tensions unnecessarily (source-3).
Conclusion
The claim that U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham stated that the U.S. needs to "finish the job" with Iran during an interview on CBS' Face The Nation in October 2023 is True. His comments were clearly articulated during the interview, and they have been corroborated by multiple reliable news sources. Graham's position reflects a significant viewpoint within U.S. foreign policy discussions regarding Iran and Israel.
