An Iranian television clip went viral after US Senator Lindsey Graham died after a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday, with the anchor congratulating the Iranian people on the death of one of US President Donald Trump’s closest allies in government.
In the clip that went viral, the anchor can be heard using terms such as “war mongering” and “anti-Iran” in relation to Graham.
In a video clip published by Iran International on Channel
HT was unable to independently verify the authenticity of the clip.
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Graham pushed for war on Iran, and was a “friend” of Israel
Graham was also a strong supporter of Israel and advocated strong U.S.-Israel relations throughout his Senate career. A close ally of President Trump, he has supported the Iran War and has also been a major supporter of Trump’s judicial appointments, immigration policies and much of his foreign policy agenda.
Shortly after his death, Trump posted his grief on his social media. “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known! He always worked, and was a true American patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!! Details and arrangements to follow. So sad!”
Graham was scheduled to appear on Meet the Press on Sunday after a recent visit to Ukraine, highlighting the suddenness of his death, NBC News reported.
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The senator had just returned from Ukraine and announced an agreement Friday with the Trump administration to move forward with the sanctions package on Russia, the Associated Press reported.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned Graham’s death, describing him as “a great friend of Israel” and “a dear friend of mine.”
Netanyahu said that Graham understood that the security of Israel and the United States were inseparable and devoted his life to defending America, strengthening the American-Israeli alliance, and defending the free world.
“Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. It has lost a dear friend,” Netanyahu said.
More about Lindsey Graham
Graham, who was born in South Carolina, was first elected to the US House of Representatives in 1994 before winning election to the Senate in 2002. He took office as a senator in January 2003 and was seeking another term this year.
He also served as Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee.
Graham trained as a lawyer, and also served in the US Air Force and Air Force Reserve, retiring as a colonel.
