Lindsey Graham, longtime republican senator, dies of ‘brief and sudden illness’

The Republican stalwart had backed tough action against Iran and been a strong supporter of Israel.

Lindsey Graham, a longtime Republican senator, former presidential candidate and most recently a hawkish advocate of the war on Iran, has died, his office said early Sunday morning. He was 71.

Senator Lindsey Graham warned that US is going to tear the hell out of India, China and Brazil if they continue to buy Russian oil. (AFP)

Graham died of a brief and sudden illness Saturday evening, his office said, without giving additional detail.

“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” his office said.

Graham was elected to the Senate from South Carolina in 2002 and has held the seat since then. While he ran against Donald Trump for the 2016 presidential nomination, he became an advocate for the president and pushed him to take a hard-line position against Iran and in support of Israel, for which he was one of Senate’s strongest backers.

—Updates to follow as news develops.