ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

United States Senator Lindsey Graham said in a post on X/Twitter on Wednesday that he had discussed details of the Iran conflict with President Donald Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth in a phone call earlier on Wednesday.

The South Carolina Republican described the discussion's focus as "the way forward regarding the Iran conflict."

"I think the President’s decision to leave the blockade in place is very smart," said Graham. "It is having a strong effect on the ability of Iran to continue to be the largest state sponsor of terrorism, which they appear intent on doing," he said. 

"I not only expect this blockade to stay in place until Iran shows a commitment to change their ways, I expect the blockade will be growing and that it could become global soon," continued Graham.

Graham also warned countries against assisting Iran's oil distribution efforts, saying they "do so at your own peril," emphasizing Iran's use of the associated resources for terror purposes.

US Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) walks through the Senate Subway in the U.S. Capitol Building on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC.
US Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) walks through the Senate Subway in the U.S. Capitol Building on April 22, 2026 in Washington, DC. (credit: Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images)

The senator congratulated Trump for his actions, noting that the situation is "the best chance since 1979 to change the behavior of the regime."

"I hope this can be accomplished through diplomacy," added Graham.

CENTCOM denies reports of ships breaking blockade

Earlier on Wednesday, US CENTCOM denied media reports alleging that several ships had evaded the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

In a post on its X/Twitter page, CENTCOM described the reports as "inaccurate," adding that the US has directed 29 vessels to turn around or return to port as part of the blockade.

The post named three ships that media reports claimed had broken the blockade, the M/V Hero II, M/V Hedy, and M/V Dorena, as examples of ships that had been prevented from doing so.

"Dorena has been under the escort of a US Navy destroyer in the Indian Ocean after previously attempting to violate the blockade," said CENTCOM.

"The US military has global reach," CENTCOM added. "American forces are operating and enforcing the blockade across the Middle East and beyond."

James Genn contributed to this report.