Key facts
- Video footage shows Senator Lindsey Graham expressing glee over the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran.
- Graham offered US military involvement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for his war on Lebanon.
- Graham discussed strategy with Jake Sullivan, aiming for Iran to lose control of cities.
- Graham expressed frustration with Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff's negotiation capabilities.
- Graham was described as having a close relationship with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman.
- Graham died at the age of 71.
Newly surfaced video footage reveals US Senator Lindsey Graham expressing strong support for military action in the Middle East, including offering US military involvement to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a war on Lebanon. The clips, filmed by British filmmaker Alex Holder for a documentary, show Graham rejoicing at the launch of the US-Israeli war on Iran and discussing strategic objectives with former White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan.
In one segment, Graham is heard asking about the war on Iran, stating, "I almost cried. How long have we been pushing this?" He also commented on President Donald Trump, calling him a "great wartime president" and comparing Trump and Netanyahu to Roosevelt and Churchill.
Another clip captures Graham on a speakerphone call with Netanyahu, where he offered to "try to get him to join with y'all in Lebanon to maybe fly some with you." Netanyahu responded by noting their current concentration on Iran and expressing concerns about escalating with Hezbollah.
Graham also spoke with Jake Sullivan, discussing a timeline for Iran to lose control of cities and encouraging greater Arab involvement in the conflict. The Wall Street Journal reported on further conversations where Graham expressed frustration with Trump's negotiators, Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, deeming them too conflicted for talks on Gaza or Iran.
Holder noted Graham's close ties to Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohamed Bin Salman and his significant influence in Israel. Graham reportedly complained about internal administration opposition to the war on Iran, while also relishing the media attention his stance garnered.
Senator Graham, a staunch ally of Israel and a proponent of interventionist foreign policy, died at the age of 71. He was known for his pro-war rhetoric and consistent support for increased military assistance to Israel, often drawing criticism from human rights groups and Palestinian advocates for his strong defense of Israeli military actions and controversial statements about Palestinians.