Iran has long been thought to fund the terrorist organization Hammas, which carried out a horrific and violent surprise and coordinated attack on Israel over the weekend that has led to more than 2,000 total deaths and thousands of injuries after Israel has struck back.
And while the U.S. hasn’t been able to find a smoking gun that directly links Iran to this attack by Hamas yet, there’s at least one American lawmaker who believes the U.S. should hit Iran now.
Republican Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina appeared on Fox News recently, saying that the U.S. should consider initiating bombing attacks on oil refineries in Iran if Hamas ends up following up on the promise to execute the hostages it’s taken in the Gaza Strip.
Hamas not only killed more than 1,000 people in its attack over the weekend, it also has raped hundreds of civilians and took hundreds of hostages, including some Americans. They’ve threatened to kill any of the people who they are keeping captive whenever Israel launches airstrikes in retaliation that will surely end up killing Palestinian civilians.
During his appearance on Fox News, Graham issued a threat to Iran in response to Hamas’ threats. He said:
“Well, for every Israeli or American hostage executed by Hamas, we should take down an Iranian oil refinery. The only way you’re going to keep this war from escalating is to hold Iran accountable.”
The United States is still searching for evidence that would directly link Iran to Hamas’ weekend attack. While the country has been proven to fund and aid the terrorist organization in the past, it has denied any involvement in this most recent attack.
Graham doesn’t seem to want to wait for evidence to be found before the U.S. intervenes and attacks Iran. He said:
“How much more death and destruction do we have to take from the Iranian regime? I am confident this was planned and funded by the Iranians. Hamas is a bunch of animals who deserve to be treated like animals.
“So, if I was Israel, I would go in on the ground. There is no truce to be had here. I would dismantle Hamas. This is the best opportunity Israel has to destroy Hamas. Take it to the Iranians.”
Thus far, it’s been confirmed that nine Americans have lost their lives in Hamas’ attack. It’s not certain yet how many other Americans have been taken hostage and/or are missing.
That’s why Graham said he believes action needs to be taken now, commenting:
“If you harm one American in Syria by using your Iranian militia against us in Syria, if you escalate the war by urging Hezbollah to attack Israel in the north, if Hamas kills one American Israeli hostage, we’re going to blow up your oil refineries and put you out of business.
“It is now time to take the war to the Ayatollah’s backyard.”
