MORNING HEADLINES | U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., told a Charleston audience Sunday that he didn’t rule out more U.S. military action in the Middle East after last month’s targeted bombing of nuclear targets in Iran. The answer, he said, depends on what Iran does.
Graham told the audience at the Chabaud of Charleston – Center for Jewish Life in Mount Pleasant that Iran was an “evil regime” and that the world would be better without its leaders.
“I know President Trump wants to negotiate an end to the war with Iran, to the conflict,” the senator said. “But what would that look like? They have to give up missiles to destroy Israel. They have to give up support for international terrorism. They have to give up their desire to build a nuclear weapon.
“If they can do all those things, let’s do a deal. If they’re not willing to do those things, we need to keep them weak and in a corner.”
He said Iran was wounded by attacks by Israel and the U.S., “but they have not quit.”
Graham also reflected that the Middle East, torn by conflict with Iran and between Israel and Hamas in Gaza, once was really close to peace during the Biden administration. “We were oh so close,” he told nearly 300 people Sunday. There were reportedly no signs of a ceasefire agreement last week during talks between Trump and Israel’s leader.
In other headlines
CP OPINION, Brack: S.C.’s presidential ride to get wilder. What South Carolinians saw this week as Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom made a two-day swing through the state was more than a highly visible candidate who probably will run for president in 2028. They saw a guy sweating through a white shirt in the South Carolina heat who was having fun.
S.C. WEEK IN REVIEW: State encourages people to get vaccinations. If you or your children haven’t ever had a vaccination for preventable diseases like measles, it’s time to consider it, state officials say.
- $84 million for S.C. schools tied up in Trump funding freeze
- Charleston group wants animal cruelty redefined
- S.C.’s tax-free weekend returns Aug. 1-3
- Smalls to be honored with statue on Statehouse grounds
2026: State senator running for governor accused of swindling in lawsuit. State Sen. Josh Kimbrell, an Upstate Republican who recently announced he was running for governor, has been accused by a business partner of swindling millions from an aeronautics company — an accusation Kimbrell’s camp aggressively disputes.
2028: Jockeying in S.C. among Dems occurring earlier. Political jockeying for recognition in the early primary voting state of South Carolina is playing out earlier and with more frequency than ever before, this story says.
Charleston airport breaking ground of $100 million expansion to boost international routes. The airport is investing in infrastructure to bring more international routes to Charleston.
- Previous CP coverage: Expansions, upgrades under way at Charleston airport
S.C. Ports Authority sues railroad over Union Pier. The S.C. Ports Authority is taking Norfolk Southern to court over land restrictions that could jeopardize a major redevelopment at Union Pier.
Charleston public school district starts philanthropic foundation. The school district seeks to use a foundation to generate supplemental funding.
Berkeley Co. hospital opens expanded emergency room. Roper St. Francis Berkeley Hospital has 21 new treatment bays to be able to treat more patients.
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