US Senator slams Arab States for pressuring Trump administration over Iran

US Senator Lindsey Graham has sharply criticised several Arab states which, according to him, are putting pressure on the Donald Trump administration in an effort to prevent possible military strikes on Iran, the Telegram channel Free Iran reported.

The senator described such behaviour as “disappointing” and said it shows that these countries cannot be considered reliable US allies.

Graham noted that interference in Iran’s interests effectively means accepting the continued rule of the ayatollahs’ regime and turning a blind eye to repression against protesters.

He stressed that a stance aimed at protecting the Iranian regime runs counter to US interests and values in the region.

This occurred amid the ongoing intense Iranian nationwide protests, which began in late 2025 over economic hardship, repression, and demands for regime change, escalating into widespread demonstrations met with brutal crackdowns by the Islamic Republic's security forces.

The protests, described by human rights groups as facing a "nationwide massacre," saw thousands killed (estimates ranging from 2,000 to over 12,000 or more by mid-January 2026), mass arrests, executions, and internet blackouts. President Trump initially issued strong warnings, positioned the US as supporting the Iranian people (with slogans like "Make Iran Great Again"), and hinted at potential military action if the regime continued its violence.

By Khagan Isayev