Senator Lindsey Graham clashed with NBC's Kristen Welker on Meet the Press over President Trump's approach to Iran following the killing of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Graham declared Iran is 'close to collapsing' and described the country as 'the mother ship of terrorism' with 'the captain is dead.' The South Carolina Republican emphasized that the United States would not occupy Iran or pick its next leader.

When pressed about what happens after regime change, Graham repeatedly insisted it's 'not our job' to select Iran's government. He rejected comparisons to Iraq, Germany, and Japan, stating 'no American boots on the ground' would be involved. The senator outlined goals including preventing Iran from sponsoring terrorism, developing ballistic missiles, or acquiring nuclear weapons.

Graham grew visibly frustrated when Welker asked multiple times whether Trump has a concrete plan to ensure Iran doesn't become a greater threat. 'How many times do I have to tell you?!' he snapped. The senator dismissed the 'you break it, you own it' principle and maintained that Iran's future would be determined by its people, not U.S. officials.