Lindsey Graham knocks Israel for targeting Iran’s oil facilities

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, speaks to the media in Tel Aviv, December 21, 2025. (AP/Maya Levin)
US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina, speaks to the media in Tel Aviv, December 21, 2025. (AP/Maya Levin)

Republican US Senator Lindsey Graham knocks Israel over its targeting of Iran’s oil facilities over the weekend.

“Our allies in Israel have shown amazing capability when it comes to collapsing the murderous regime in Iran. America is most appreciative,” Graham tweets. “However, there will be a day soon that the Iranian people will be in charge of their own fate, not the murderous ayatollah’s regime.”

“In that regard, please be cautious about what targets you select. Our goal is to liberate the Iranian people in a fashion that does not cripple their chance to start a new and better life when this regime collapses. The oil economy of Iran will be essential to that endeavor,” Graham tweets.

The Trump administration was also reportedly angered by the strikes on Iran’s oil fields, which Israel claims were being used by the military forces of the Islamic Republic.

The criticism from Graham stands out, given how effusive he has been in support of the US-Israeli war in Iran. He is also seen as close to Trump, though it’s unclear how much influence the senator has over the president’s decision-making.

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