Sen. Lindsey Graham defended the prospect of Marines seizing Iran’s Kharg Island on Fox News Sunday, invoking the costly World War II battle of Iwo Jima as precedent. He said two Marine expeditionary units are headed toward the island and noted that U.S. forces have already deployed roughly 2,500 Marines to the region. An Axios aide said the aim would be to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, though no formal decision has been announced. Graham’s remarks drew sharp criticism online for citing historic casualties as justification for possible new ground combat.
Graham Evokes Iwo Jima as Marines Head Toward Kharg Island Amid Reports of Trump Plan
'We did Iwo Jima, we can do this,' Lindsey Graham said of plans for Iran's Kharg Island. / Fox News
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) invoked the bloody World War II battle of Iwo Jima on Fox News Sunday as reports circulated that former President Donald Trump may order Marines to seize Iran’s Kharg Island. Graham defended the prospect of ground action, saying he trusts the Marines and that two Marine expeditionary units are sailing toward the island.
Shannon Bream pointed out that support might be 'different' for Trump's Iran war efforts if Kharg Island results in boots on the ground. / Fox News
Key Exchange on Fox News Sunday
Host Shannon Bream pressed Graham by citing reporting that warned a ground invasion could become a “grinding war of attrition.” Graham responded:
“I’m sort of tired of all this armchair quarterbacking. This has been an amazing military operation. God bless the fallen.”When pressed further, he added:
“I trust the Marines. Not that guy. I trust DOD.”Graham also said, “We did Iwo Jima, we can do this. The Marines—my money is always on the Marines.”
Former White House advisor Alex Jacquez suggested that Graham was too keen to send troops 'to their deaths.' / X/@AlexSJacquez
Historical Context and Casualty Toll
Graham referenced the 1945 Battle of Iwo Jima as precedent; U.S. forces suffered very high casualties in that fight, with nearly 7,000 American service members killed and more than 19,000 wounded over roughly five weeks of intense combat.
Wrecked U.S. Marine vehicles litter an Iwo Jima beach, 1945. / Handout . / via REUTERS
Reported Operational Aims and Deployment
Multiple reports say roughly 2,500 Marines have already been dispatched to the region, with two additional units of similar size reportedly en route. An aide quoted by Axios framed the reported plan as aimed at reopening the Strait of Hormuz: “He wants Hormuz open. If he has to take Kharg Island to make it happen, that’s going to happen… But that decision hasn’t been made.”
Many viewers blasted Graham for hinting that the Battle of Iwo Jima should be looked to for inspiration in any way. / X/@NickKristof
Public Reaction
Graham’s invocation of Iwo Jima’s human cost drew sharp criticism online. Some commenters said it was inappropriate to cite that sacrifice as a model for a modern invasion; others warned that a ground operation in Iran could spark a larger, prolonged conflict.
What Remains Unclear
At the time of the interview, there was no official confirmation from the White House that a decision to invade Kharg Island had been made. Public support for boots on the ground in Iran appears limited, and the potential military, diplomatic, and humanitarian consequences of any such operation would be significant.
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