U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham on 15 July warned that Russian President Vladimir Putin and Moscow’s trading partners should “call the Ayatollah” if they want to know what will happen on the 51st day after President Donald Trump’s 50-day deadline for a Russia-Ukraine peace deal expires. Graham’s remark invoked Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, suggesting that Russia could face consequences similar to those recently imposed on Tehran. The South Carolina Republican added that nations purchasing discounted Russian crude are “propping up Putin’s war machine” and should take Trump’s ultimatum seriously. His comments underscore Washington’s efforts to intensify economic and military pressure on Moscow unless it agrees to end hostilities in Ukraine. The Kremlin and Iran have not publicly responded to Graham’s warning. The senator’s statement signals growing U.S. willingness to threaten force if diplomatic efforts stall, raising tensions ahead of the approaching 50-day deadline.