Sen. Lindsey Graham on Sunday called on President Donald Trump to reconsider his current approach toward Iran following reports that Tehran rejected the latest American proposal aimed at ending the war.

Responding to Trump’s Truth Social post declaring Iran’s response to the US proposal “unacceptable,” Graham said the time may have come for Washington to pursue a tougher strategy against the Islamic Republic.

“I appreciate President Trump’s earnest efforts to seek a diplomatic solution to change the behavior of the Iranian terrorist regime. However, between their constant attacks on international shipping, the persistent attacks on our Middle Eastern allies and now a totally unacceptable response to America’s diplomatic proposal, it is in my view, time to consider changing course,” Graham wrote.

The South Carolina senator also referenced “Project Freedom Plus,” the proposed expanded US maritime operation in the Strait of Hormuz that Trump delayed last week to allow negotiations with Iran to continue.

“Project Freedom Plus sounds pretty good right about now,” he added.

Later Sunday, after Iranian media reported that Tehran had officially rejected the American proposal, Graham issued another warning regarding Iran’s nuclear infrastructure.

“The idea that Iran would not completely destroy all their enrichment facilities as part of a negotiated solution makes no sense. The moratorium – without complete dismantlement of the enrichment facilities and capabilities – truly becomes the JCPOA.”

“I am certain that Iran’s refusal to destroy their enrichment capability will be soundly rejected,” said Graham.

Iranian state-linked media reported Sunday night that Tehran had formally rejected the US-backed proposal intended to end the conflict.

According to the report, Iranian officials argued that “the American proposal is equivalent to a surrender by Tehran to Trump’s excessive demands.”

Earlier in the day, an Iranian official dismissed Trump’s criticism of Tehran’s response and indicated that Iran was not concerned by the president’s objections.

Speaking to the Tasnim news agency, the senior Iranian official stated, “No one in Iran drafts plans to please Trump. The negotiating team draft is solely for the rights of Iran, and naturally, it is better if Trump is dissatisfied with them.”

{Matzav.com}