Key facts
- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died at age 71.
- Graham was honored for his support of Ukraine, trans-Atlantic ties, and Israel.
- Tributes came from global leaders including Donald Trump, George W. Bush, and Volodymyr Zelenskyy.
- He was a leading neoconservative hawk who supported the 2003 Iraq War.
- Graham became a close ally and advisor to Donald Trump on foreign policy.
- Iranian state television announced his death in hostile terms.
Leaders from around the world, including U.S. political figures and heads of state, have mourned the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who passed away at the age of 71. Graham was widely recognized for his significant global influence and his advocacy for a strong U.S. foreign policy, particularly his support for Ukraine, trans-Atlantic alliances, and Israel.
Tributes highlighted Graham's role as a "steadfast friend" and advocate. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy described him as "a true defender of freedom," while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called him a "great friend of Israel." Early condolences also came from Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir.
Graham, a former air force lawyer, was a prominent neoconservative hawk. He vocally supported the 2003 U.S. invasion of Iraq and later played a crucial role in shaping Donald Trump's foreign policy, especially concerning Iran. Despite initial opposition to Trump, Graham became a close ally and advisor, influencing decisions on issues like Iran's nuclear program and potential military action.
His foreign policy stances, while reassuring to traditional Republican hawks, sometimes contrasted with Trump's "America First" platform. Graham's staunch support for Ukraine in its conflict with Russia was also a key part of his legacy. He had visited Ukraine multiple times since the war began and was involved in discussions about sanctions against Russia.
Some observers noted that Graham's influence on Trump may have served as a moderating force on certain foreign policy impulses, potentially preventing "bad deals" with adversaries like Russia and North Korea. However, his hawkish approach and unwavering support for Israel also drew criticism in other parts of the Middle East.
Iranian state television announced Graham's death in openly hostile terms, labeling him a "warmongering and anti-Iranian U.S. senator."