Sen. Lindsey Graham expressed serious concerns Friday about reports describing a potential agreement with Iran, arguing that the terms being circulated would amount to a deeply flawed arrangement if they prove accurate.

The South Carolina Republican said he was encouraged by President Donald Trump’s rejection of Iranian media reports regarding the proposed framework and praised the administration’s efforts to weaken the Iranian regime through military and economic pressure.

“I am very glad to hear from President Donald Trump that Iranian media reports about the so-called deal are fake because the deal as described by Iran would be awful. President Trump and our military deserve a lot of credit for making Iran the weakest they’ve been since 1979 through a combination of highly effective military strikes and a crushing blockade. However, we must remember the Iranian regime has killed 42,000 of their own people for simply wanting a better life, and their leadership are radical religious Nazis.”

Graham said any future agreement should be measured against the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), the Obama-era nuclear accord that many Republicans viewed as fundamentally flawed. He specifically criticized reports suggesting Iran could receive a massive reconstruction package while the current regime remains in power.

“As to any potential deal, it must be compared to the JCPOA, and I am hopeful that it will be vastly different. The idea of a $300 billion reconstruction fund, given who is in charge of Iran, seems to be tone deaf. It would be akin to a Marshall Plan for Germany with the Nazis still in charge. That wouldn’t have been a good idea then, and any reconstruction fund that benefits this terrorist regime wouldn’t be a good idea now.”

The senator also emphasized what he views as the most important benchmark for any nuclear agreement, saying the administration must maintain its longstanding opposition to Iranian uranium enrichment.

“As to the Iranian nuclear program, President Trump’s red line has been no enrichment. I hope that holds – as it must.”

Graham further argued that allowing Tehran to continue enriching uranium was among the most significant shortcomings of the JCPOA and insisted that lawmakers should have the opportunity to examine and approve any future accord.

“Allowing Iran to enrich under the JCPOA was one of the major flaws of that terrible deal. As I’ve stated before, any deal with Iran must come to Congress for scrutiny and approval.”

{Matzav.com}