GOP War Hawk Lindsey Graham Loses Cool At Hegseth During Heated Iran Hearing

Though Graham has been a steadfast supporter of the conflict since its start in late February, his patience appeared to be wearing thin as he sought a straight answer from military leaders regarding reports that called Pakistan’s position as a neutral mediator into question.

“Are you aware of reports that Pakistan are allowing their bases to be used to park Iranian aircraft, General Caine?” the South Carolina senator asked, referring to information reported by CBS Monday.

While Caine acknowledged he had seen the report, he declined to weigh in on its accuracy, citing the classified nature of negotiations.

Though Graham pressed on, asking the general if he believed the allegations, if true, were “inconsistent” with Pakistan’s position as “a peace mediator,” he was rebuffed once again.

Turning his attention to Hegseth, he got increasingly testy as he questioned if Pakistan could still be considered a “fair mediator” if it was in fact stowing Iranian aircraft in an apparent effort to shield them from American strikes.

As the secretary told Graham he “wouldn’t want to get in the middle of these negotiations,” the senator had had enough.

“Well, I do!” he snapped. “I want to get in the middle of these negotiations. I don’t trust Pakistan as far as I can throw ’em.”

Heated, Graham continued, “If they actually do have Iranian aircraft parked in Pakistan bases to protect Iranian military assets, that tells me we should be looking maybe for somebody else to mediate.”

“No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere!” he simmered.

Shifting his tone, he then told Hegseth, “I appreciate all you’ve done. I’m very supportive of it, but when it comes to Pakistan and China, enough already!”

While Hegseth and Caine were in the hot seat, President Donald Trump seemed to brush off concerns about Pakistan’s diplomatic stance when questioned by the press on Tuesday.

“The Pakistanis have been great, the field marshal and the prime minister of Pakistan have been great,” he said before boarding Air Force One on his way to China.