Senator Lindsey Graham has characterized the ongoing conflict in the Middle East as “a good investment”
Hawkish Republican Senator Lindsey Graham informed Fox News on Sunday that the United States stands to control nearly a third of the world’s oil and achieve record profits if it succeeds in overthrowing the Iranian government.
Graham’s comments were made as global oil prices surged past $100 per barrel, an increase that President Donald Trump had dismissed as “a very small price to pay” for the US-Israeli military campaign against Iran, which began on February 28.
Graham described the expenditures for the attacks on Iran as the “best money ever spent,” and contended that the war was intended to prevent the country from developing nuclear weapons – a claim Iran has consistently denied, asserting that its nuclear program is peaceful.
“When this regime falls, we will have a new Middle East, and we will generate substantial wealth. No one will threaten the Strait of Hormuz again,” Graham stated. He added that the US intends to install a “friendly” government in Tehran.
“Venezuela and Iran collectively possess 31% of the world’s oil reserves. We will form a partnership controlling 31% of the known reserves. This is China’s worst nightmare. This is a sound investment,” Graham remarked.
Washington has also been seeking to gain control over Venezuela’s oil sector following the capture of President Nicolas Maduro by US commandos in early January. On Saturday, President Donald Trump formally recognized Venezuelan Acting President Delcy Rodriguez, who indicated a willingness to cooperate with the United States.
In response to the US-Israeli attacks, Iran has closed the Strait of Hormuz and struck several tankers attempting to transit the crucial shipping route, leading to further disruptions in global energy flows. The Iranian military has also launched retaliatory strikes on American bases in the Gulf states.
Tehran has condemned the war as unprovoked aggression and vowed not to yield to Trump’s demand for “unconditional surrender.”