Donald Trump hits back at close ally Lindsey Graham after the Senator said Iran saw his ‘measured response’ to the shooting down of a US drone as ‘a sign of weakness’
- Tehran downed a US drone in June and Trump called back a military strike
- Senator Graham said: ‘Trump’s measured response is clearly seen as weakness’
- Trump responded: ‘It was a sign of strength that some people don’t understand’
Donald Trump has fired back after Senator Lindsey Graham denounced the ‘weakness’ in the President’s past approach to Iran.
Trump authorized a military strike against Tehran in response to the downing of a US military drone in June.
But after learning there would be 150 casualties, he called the strike off.
South Carolina Republican, Senator Graham, took to Twitter and said: ‘The measured response by President Trump regarding the shooting down of an American drone was clearly seen by the Iranian regime as a sign of weakness.’
Donald Trump has fired back after Senator Lindsey Graham accused his behaviour following an attack on a US military drone as showing ‘weakness’
Trump took to Twitter and fired back by saying: ‘No Lindsey, it was a sign of strength that some people just don’t understand!’
Trump responded by saying: ‘No Lindsey, it was a sign of strength that some people just don’t understand!’
Following a briefing from Vice President Mike Pence yesterday, Graham called for more ‘decisive action’ to be taken to deter Iran’s Ayatollah from further attacks.
Graham said: ‘It’s clear to me that such a sophisticated attack could not have occurred without Iran’s blessing and direct involvement.
‘This is literally an act of war and the goal should be to restore deterrence against Iranian aggression which has clearly been lost.
In June Trump authorised a military strike against Tehran in response to the downing of a US military drone with Iran denied involvement with. After learning there would be 150 casualties, Trump called the strike off. Pictured is Lindsey Graham
‘I applaud the Administration’s efforts to create a regional coalition, thoroughly brief the Congress on the actions taken, and come up with a plan of action to restore deterrence against an evil regime in Iran.
‘The measured response by President Trump regarding the shooting down of an American drone was clearly seen by the Iranian regime as a sign of weakness.
‘The problems with Iran only get worse over time so it is imperative we take decisive action to deter further aggression by the Ayatollah and his henchman.’
White House officials have blamed Iran for the missile attack on two oil facilities in Saudi Arabia over the weekend (pictured)
Trump responded to the attack on Monday by saying Iran was the most likely culprit
White House officials have blamed Iran for the missile attack on two oil facilities in Saudi Arabia over the weekend.
Trump responded to the attack, on the Abqaiq oil processing plant, by saying Iran was the most likely culprit.
He added that while he would like to avoid war with Tehran, the US was more prepared than any other nation for war.
While Trump and Graham didn’t see eye to eye on this topic, the pair – who are both up for reelection in 2020 – are known to be close and often play golf together.
Vice President Mike Pence took a similar stance to Trump on the oil facility attack, saying: ‘In the wake of this weekend’s unprovoked attack on several oil facilities in Saudi Arabia, I promise you: We’re ready.
Vice President Mike Pence took a similar stance to Trump on the oil facility attack, saying: ‘The US is prepared, we’re locked and loaded’
‘The US is prepared, we’re locked and loaded and we’re ready to defend our interests and our allies in the region. Make no mistake about it.’
Trump has said he will release more details about the weekend’s attack.
Houthi rebels in Yemen, who are backed by Iran, have claimed responsibility for the attack that left two oil facilities at the world’s largest processing plant closed on Saturday.
Iranian President Hassan Rouhani said the attack was a reciprocal act by the ‘Yemeni people’.