Two senators now traveling in the Middle East say civilian protests in Iran suggest this is the beginning of the end for the government in Tehran.
Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., says the Islamic government's days are numbered. He says Iran may try to divert attention from the protests by raising the level of confrontation with Israel.
McCain says concerns about Iran and the increasing Hezbollah threat in Lebanon may lead to progress in the Israeli-Palestinian peace talks.
Sen. Joe Lieberman, an independent from Connecticut, says increased economic penalties against on Iran are critical.
The lawmakers spoke on CNN's "State of the Union."
© Copyright 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.