U.S.Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina and typically a strong ally of Donald Trump on foreign policy, issued an unusual public criticism of the former president’s emerging Iran peace framework.

Speaking on social media platform X, Graham warned that the reported terms of the agreement—described by Trump as largely negotiated between the United States, Iran, and a coalition of Arab and Muslim nations—could unintentionally strengthen Iran’s influence in the Middle East.

Graham argued that if the deal is perceived as allowing the Iranian government to survive and gradually expand its regional power, it could worsen instability in key conflict zones such as Lebanon and Iraq.

He specifically cautioned that Iranian-backed groups, including Hezbollah in Lebanon and Shiite militias in Iraq, could become significantly emboldened.

In one of his more striking statements, he claimed such an outcome would put these groups “on steroids,” suggesting a dramatic increase in their operational strength and influence.The senator’s comments are notable because he has generally been a consistent supporter of Trump’s foreign policy positions.

His criticism joins other conservative voices, including former Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and commentator David Hookstead, who have also expressed concern about the potential implications of the proposed framework.

The article highlights growing debate within conservative and foreign policy circles about whether the emerging agreement would stabilize or further destabilize the region.

Trump, meanwhile, had announced from the Oval Office that a broad agreement involving multiple regional actors had been largely negotiated, though details remain unclear.Graham’s remarks underscore divisions among Republican figures over how to approach Iran and its regional influence.