U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died on Saturday evening after a “brief and sudden illness,” his office announced in a statement posted on social media.
The office did not provide additional details about the Republican senator from South Carolina, who passed away at the age of 71.
“The family of Senator Graham thanks everyone for their prayers and asks for privacy during this extremely difficult time,” the statement said.
Trump Ally and Advocate of a Tough Policy Toward Iran
Graham was elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and was running for a fifth term. He was a close ally of President Donald Trump and a longtime advocate of a hardline approach toward Iran.
As a member of the U.S. House of Representatives during the 1990s, he supported policies aimed at the international isolation of Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.
He also backed Trump’s decision last year to carry out strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, as well as the most recent conflict that began several months ago.
Health Concerns Surrounding Members of Congress and the Senate
The brief statement from Graham’s office, which did not disclose the cause of his death, was released at a time when public concern in the United States has been growing over the lack of transparency regarding the health of elected officials.
Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey was absent from Congress for months without any explanation before returning and revealing that he had been diagnosed with depression.
Republican Senator Mitch McConnell of Kentucky was hospitalized several weeks ago due to health issues, the details of which were not made public.
From Trump Critic to One of His Closest Allies
Graham, best known for his hawkish foreign policy positions, briefly sought the Republican presidential nomination during the 2016 campaign and was initially one of Donald Trump’s more outspoken critics before Trump ultimately became the party’s nominee.
However, he later became one of Trump’s closest political allies. He spoke regularly with the president and frequently joined him on the golf course.
He was particularly influential in advising Trump on foreign policy issues, including Iran and Russia. Just one day before his death, Graham announced that an agreement had been reached with the Trump administration to continue work on a new package of sanctions against Russia.
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Source: Kurir, Foto: AP / Kenny Holston