Pat Dollard

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Pictured: John McCain stands with Major Gordon Hilbun, McCain’s vehicle commander in Haditha, Iraq, Sunday.

WASHINGTON — Sen. John McCain warned Tuesday that Iran’s increasing influence in the Middle East is hindering progress in Iraq.

Ending a weeklong trip with a congressional delegation to the region that included a stop in Iraq, McCain expressed concern over a large cache of explosives found in Iraq and hinted that they may have been sent from Iran.

During a press conference in Amman, Jordan, the Arizona senator also said there is a continued concern that Iran may be training Iraqi extremists in Iran and then sending them back into Iraq.

The presumptive Republican presidential nominee also said he was concerned about Iran developing nuclear weapons and said he planned to work closely with European allies to set in place a strict set of sanctions “that would be harmful and compelling” to Iran’s trade, diplomatic and financial institutions if he was elected president.

“There’d be a broad range of sanctions and punishments to the Iranians to help try to convince them that their activities — particularly development of nuclear weapons — is not a beneficial goal to seek,” he said.

Ho! Whoa whoa whoa whoa nellie…Bash here: Sanctions? C’mon, John, Iran does not give a about sanctions. Iran has basically said “Fuck you” to the International Community, and sanctions have had no effect at all…Johnny…Johnny…sing the song, John…sing the song…

McCain, who is known for having a tough stance on foreign policy, came under enormous scrutiny last year at a campaign event in South Carolina when he joked about bombing Iran.

Singing a rendition of the popular Beach Boys song, “Barbara Ann,” McCain changed the lyrics to “Bomb Iran” singing, “bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb, bomb Iran.”

Throughout his presidential campaign McCain has stood firm on his support of the war in Iraq even though he acknowledges it could cost him the presidency.

Speaking last month, McCain said if he can’t convince war-weary Americans that the U.S. policy in Iraq is succeeding he will lose.

“Let me just put it this way: Americans will judge my candidacy first and foremost on how they believe I can lead the country both from our economy and for national security. Obviously, Iraq will play a role in their judgment of my ability to handle national security,” McCain said.

(CNN)