Trump's tweet was an unusual rebuke of a strong congressional ally -- though much gentler than some of his previous attacks on critics -- and comes as sources tell CNN that no definitive US response to this past weekend's attacks on Saudi oil fields is expected until Secretary of State Mike Pompeo returns from his trip to Saudi Arabia that begins Tuesday night.
Graham's Twitter thread about the attacks on Saudi oil facilities began Tuesday with praise for Vice President Mike Pence after he briefed Senate Republicans. The attack, claimed by Houthi rebels in Yemen, forced state-owned Saudi Aramco to halve its production, taking more than 5% of the world's daily crude oil consumption off the global market.
Implicating Iran in the attacks, Graham lauded "the Administration's efforts to create a regional coalition, thoroughly brief the Congress on the actions taken, and come up with a plan of action to restore deterrence against an evil regime in Iran."
The South Carolina Republican then directly addressed Trump, writing, "The measured response by President @realDonaldTrump regarding the shooting down of an American drone was clearly seen by the Iranian regime as a sign of weakness."
Trump responded to Graham's characterization on Tuesday evening, arguing that some had simply failed to grasp his approach to Iran.
"No Lindsey, it was a sign of strength that some people just don't understand!" Trump replied.
CNN reported on Tuesday that while US defense officials were ordered to plan potential responses to the attack on Saudi Arabia's oil facilities in a Monday meeting with Trump, the White House is waiting for the kingdom's rulers to decide on a response before charting a path forward.
Two US defense officials said the Pentagon was instructed to "plan" at the White House meeting, but added that no detailed choices were presented.
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