WASHINGTON — Senator Lindsey Graham has launched a strong critique against China and Pakistan, accusing them of supporting Iran and hindering peace negotiations with the Islamic Republic.
The outspoken senator, known for his support of military efforts, highlighted a CBS News report indicating that Pakistan permitted Iranian aircraft to utilize its airfields and pointed to China’s ongoing oil purchases from Iran.
“Secretary Hegseth, considering that the mediator is allowing Iranian reconnaissance planes to station at Pakistani airbases, do you believe this aligns with the role of an impartial mediator?” Graham (R-SC) questioned Secretary of War Pete Hegseth.
During his testimony to the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, Secretary Hegseth avoided directly addressing the question while discussing the Pentagon’s budget request for the fiscal year 2027.
Pakistan, which has been facilitating discussions between the US and Iran for several weeks and received commendation from President Trump, refuted the report, asserting that the Iranian aircraft were present strictly for negotiation purposes.
“I have zero trust in Pakistan,” Graham stated. “If they indeed have Iranian planes stationed at their bases to protect Iranian military interests, it suggests we should consider finding a different mediator.”
“No wonder this damn thing is going nowhere,” he added. “But when it comes to Pakistan and China— enough already.”
Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs insisted that the country has remained impartial during the talks.
“The Iranian aircraft currently parked in Pakistan arrived during the ceasefire period and bear no linkage whatsoever to any military contingency or preservation arrangement,” it said in a statement. “Assertions suggesting otherwise are speculative, misleading, and entirely detached from the factual context.”
Talks between the US and Iran have dragged out for weeks beyond the initial timeframe given for the cease-fire.
On Sunday, Trump publicly smacked down Iran’s latest “unacceptable” offer and declared a day later that the cease-fire with the regime is on “massive life support.”
Graham, who has Trump’s ear on key policy decisions, also tore into China ahead of the president’s upcoming three-day visit to Beijing.
The senator noted that China is estimated to have purchased about 90% of Iran’s oil exports, in a critical financial boost to the regime.
“President Trump, when you go to China, realize that the person you’re talking to is propping up Russia and Iran,” Graham said.
