The death of US Senator Lindsey Graham has triggered sharply contrasting reactions across the Middle East and the United States.
Photo : AP
The death of US Senator Lindsey Graham has drawn two entirely different responses from opposite sides of the US-Iran conflict. In Washington and Jerusalem, the veteran Republican was remembered as a close political ally and steadfast supporter.
In Tehran, however, Iranian state media presenters, hard-line commentators and regime supporters openly welcomed the news, with some mocking Graham on television and social media. That contrast reflected Graham’s decades-long reputation as one of the most outspoken advocates of confronting the Islamic Republic.
Iranian State Media Celebrates Graham’s Death
Tasnim News Agency, which is affiliated with Iran’s establishment, announced Graham’s death with the headline: “Graham dies, taking the destruction of Iran to the grave.” Iranian state television adopted a similarly celebratory tone.
One presenter smiled while delivering the news before saying, “This news is so sweet that I’m reading it twice,” and later described Graham as a “war-mongering anti-Iran senator” who had “gone straight to hell.” The reaction quickly spread across pro-regime social media accounts. One widely circulated graphic showed several figures allegedly marked for revenge following the February military strikes on Iran. Graham’s photograph appeared with a red cross through it—the only individual shown as “eliminated”—alongside the words: “We will continue to update.”
Seyed Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran who frequently comments on Iranian foreign policy, also reacted publicly. Sharing reports of Graham’s death, he wrote: “It’s a shame. I wanted him to see oil prices on Monday before he went to hell.”
Why Graham Became A Target Of Iranian Anger
Graham had long been regarded by Tehran as one of the most hawkish voices in the US Senate on Iran. Throughout the recent Iran war, he repeatedly backed strong military and economic pressure against the Islamic Republic and consistently argued that Washington should confront Tehran rather than accommodate it diplomatically. His support also extended beyond US policy.
Too bad. I wanted him to see the oil market prices on Monday before going to hell. https://t.co/e44gPSD0XH
— Seyed Mohammad Marandi (@s_m_marandi) July 12, 2026
Speaking to Iranian opposition supporters at a gathering in Munich earlier this year, Graham declared: “I choose the Iranian people over the murderous ayatollah. It is time for him to go.” Following his death, Iran’s exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi described Graham as “a steadfast friend of the Iranian people” and a defender of freedom.
Pahlavi said Graham’s backing for Iran’s opposition movement had earned him the affectionate nickname “Uncle Lindsey” among many opposition supporters.
Trump And Netanyahu Lead Tributes
While Iranian media celebrated, senior leaders in the United States and Israel paid tribute. President Donald Trump described Graham as “one of the greatest people and senators I have ever known” and praised him as a “hard-working patriot.”
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who worked closely with Graham for years on regional security and Iran policy, also expressed his condolences. “Israel has lost one of its greatest friends. America has lost a great patriot. I have lost a beloved friend,” Netanyahu said.
