Lindsey Graham Says He Does Not Anticipate American ‘Boots On The Ground’ In Iran

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday that he does not believe the U.S. will have “boots on the ground” in Iran following the bombing of three nuclear facilities.

President Donald Trump announced the U.S. military’s “very successful attack” against its primary target, Fordow, along with Natanz and Esfahan, on Saturday night, causing uncertainty about Iran’s next move. Graham, who supports the president’s action, told “Meet the Press” host Kristen Welker that he does not see American troops fighting on the ground in Iran.

“No, I don’t think I see boots on the ground in our future,” Graham said. “But I do see Israel not stopping. Israel’s not gonna live this way anymore. They’re not gonna be subject to missile attack every day and every night, living in bunkers. They’re gonna go after the heart of this regime, they’re gonna take it down one or two ways. Make it change or replace it.” (RELATED: How The US Crippled Iran’s Nuclear Program In One, Clandestine Attack)

WATCH:

The military left from Missouri and dropped B-2 stealth bombers onto the nuclear facilities, U.S. officials said. During an address to the nation Saturday night, Trump warned that Iran could face a tragedy “far greater” than what has been witnessed in the past several days if it does not seek peace.

Vice President J.D. Vance said during a Sunday interview on “Meet the Press” that the U.S. is “not at war” with Iran, but instead is “at war” with the country’s nuclear program.

Graham also disputed some members of Congress, including Democrat California Sen. Adam Schiff and Republican Kentucky Rep. Thomas Massie, who stated that Trump acted unconstitutionally by carrying out the action without the approval of Congress.

“[Trump] was within his Article II authority. Congress can declare war or cut off funding. We can’t be the commander-in-chief. You can’t have 535 commander-in-chiefs. If you don’t like what the president does in terms of war, you can cut off the funding. But declaring war is left to the Congress … He had all the authority he needs out of the Constitution. They’re wrong,” Graham said.

Trump further said during the address that Iran had been “killing our people,” chanting “Death to America” and badly injuring Americans for decades, and warned that the country must make peace in order to stop future attacks from being carried out by the U.S.

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