Lindsey Graham ‘almost cried’ tears of joy over war on Iran, footage shows

What Happened

Excerpts from a planned documentary show US Senator Lindsey Graham claiming credit for persuading President Donald Trump to join Israel in a war against Iran. The US-Israeli strikes on February 28 reportedly killed Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, triggering the conflict. Graham, in footage shot shortly after Trump's first post-strike press conference on March 3, said he 'almost cried' with joy and described Trump as 'jacked' and loving 'blowing stuff up.' Graham stated he overcame internal opposition to push Trump into the war. In a separate phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on March 4, Graham offered to lobby Trump to join Israeli strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon, but Netanyahu deferred, saying the focus was on Iran first and a wider conflict with Hezbollah could come later. Later footage from June shows Graham expressing frustration that Trump's preliminary ceasefire agreement with Iran was 'letting this thing slip away.'

Key Actors

Why It Matters

The footage provides a candid, behind-the-scenes look at the political maneuvering that led to the US entry into a devastating war with Iran, including the killing of the Supreme Leader. It underscores the influence of hawkish senators in shaping presidential decisions on military intervention, the depth of US-Israel coordination, and the potential for mission creep into Lebanon. The revelations may fuel debates about accountability for the war and the transparency of decision-making.

Watch For

The full documentary's release may reveal additional details about the decision-making process. Within the article's narrative, Graham's opposition to Trump's preliminary ceasefire signals unresolved tensions; further escalation with Hezbollah remains a risk if Netanyahu later decides to 'do it later' as discussed. Monitoring whether Graham's lobbying ultimately sways Trump to renege on the ceasefire or expand strikes to Lebanon will be key.