Defense

Graham calls for ‘forceful response’ to Iran after UAE targeted

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by Tara Suter - 05/04/26 4:21 PM ET

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by Tara Suter - 05/04/26 4:21 PM ET

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Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) on Monday afternoon called for a “forceful response” to Iran after the United Arab Emirates (UAE) was targeted in recent attacks.

“The combination of Iran’s attack against UAE’s vital infrastructure and continued attacks on international shipping, including a South Korean cargo ship, more than justifies a big, strong and short response to inflict further damage on Iran’s war machine,” Graham wrote in a post on the social platform X.

“The UAE has been a champion ally in this fight, doing everything that’s being asked of them and beyond. Iran’s recent brazen attack against the UAE tells me a lot about who’s in charge in Iran and the chance of a diplomatic solution any time soon,” he added.

“A forceful response on behalf of our ally, UAE, will reinforce that America is back as a reliable ally, helping to further wash away the damage caused by the Biden administration on this front,” the South Carolina senator continued.

On Monday, the UAE reported missile and drone launches over its airspace, marking the first Iranian attacks since the U.S.-Iran ceasefire went into effect in April. According to the UAE Defense Ministry, Iran fired four cruise missiles, with three intercepted and the fourth landing in the sea.

A fire began at a petroleum industrial site in Fujairah, UAE, following an Iranian drone strike, Fujairah’s government media office said Monday.

The shaky ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is at risk of falling apart in the wake of President Trump declaring that the U.S. would “guide” ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for the oil industry, via an effort he dubbed “Project Freedom.”

Iran’s armed forces, in response, said they would not allow passage to American combat forces or commercial ships without their authorization.

Iran also opened fire on U.S. warships in the region on Monday, with the U.S. military retaliating by destroying six small Iranian boats, U.S. Central Command leader Adm. Brad Cooper said.

In response to the news of the Iranian and U.S. fire, Rep. Don Bacon (R-Neb.) said in a post on X that “the ceasefire has ceased.”

“Time for Iran to learn another harsh lesson,” he added.

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