Iran has issued a strong response following reports of the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, saying the Iranian people have no reason to mourn the veteran American lawmaker because of his longstanding support for policies viewed in Tehran as hostile.
Speaking to the media, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei described Graham as a figure whose political philosophy was rooted in “aggression and intimidation,” according to Al Jazeera.
Iran criticizes Graham’s record on foreign policy
Baghaei said Graham consistently adopted a confrontational approach toward Iran and backed recent US-Israeli military actions against the country.
“Our people will not mourn a man whose philosophy on life was aggression and intimidation,” Baghaei said.
He further described the late senator as “malicious” and “hot-tempered,” arguing that his political legacy was defined by hostility toward Iran.
Reaction follows reports of Graham’s death
The comments came a day after reports emerged that Graham had died suddenly at the age of 71.
Iranian state television also aired broadcasts in which several presenters welcomed the news, reflecting the deep political tensions that had long characterized relations between Tehran and the South Carolina Republican.
Longtime advocate of tougher Iran policy
During his decades in the US Senate, Graham was among the strongest supporters of a hardline policy toward Iran.
He repeatedly advocated tougher economic sanctions, stronger military deterrence, and closer security cooperation between the United States and Israel. Graham also consistently argued that Washington should maintain maximum pressure on Tehran over its nuclear program and regional activities.
His positions made him one of the most outspoken critics of the Iranian government in the US Congress.
The latest exchange underscores the continuing strain in US-Iran relations, even as diplomatic efforts over regional security and Iran’s nuclear program remain uncertain.
