US senator Graham calls on Trump to target Iran’s leadership

US Republican Senator Lindsey Graham called on President Donald Trump to target Iran’s leadership, claiming the move could empower protesters and promote stability in the Middle East.

“Whatever action we are going to take, Mr. President, is to embolden the protesters and scare the hell out of the regime,” Graham stated in an interview with Fox News, per Caliber.Az.

“If I were you, Mr. President, I would kill the leadership that are killing the people. You have got to end this.”

“If it ends well, then peace breaks out. All the state-sponsored terrorism activity stops. Hezbollah, Hamas, they go away. Israel and Saudi make peace. A new day in the Mideast,” he added.

The call comes as nationwide protests in Iran, sparked on December 28, 2025, by soaring inflation, skyrocketing food prices, and the rial’s record plunge, have intensified. 

According to Human Rights Activists News Agency (HRANA), 496 protesters and 48 security personnel have been confirmed dead, and more than 10,600 people have been arrested during two weeks of unrest.

Iranian officials blame the US and Israel for fomenting unrest and have called for a nationwide rally denouncing foreign “terrorist actions.”

US President Donald Trump said on January 11 that Tehran proposed negotiations after his warning of possible strikes. White House sources indicate that the administration is weighing a range of responses, from cyberattacks to direct military action by the US or Israel.

By Jeyhun Aghazada