WASHINGTON — Just five days before he died, the late Sen. Lindsey Graham brushed off images showing Iranians carrying a poster that placed a bullseye over his face.
During the extended state funeral for the late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Iranians were seen holding signs aimed at Trump, conservative figures Ben Shapiro and Laura Loomer, Republican megadonor Miriam Adelson and others. The message on the placards translated to: “In the end, your heads will be severed.”
“At least they used a good photo of me. Judge me by my enemies,” Graham (R-SC) wrote on X in reply.
Iranian Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not appeared in public since Operation Epic Fury began in February, pledged Saturday to seek revenge for his father “and all the martyrs of these two wars from the criminal and disgraced.”
Graham, 71, died unexpectedly Saturday after what was described as a “brief and sudden illness.” Emergency dispatch records indicate he had reported chest pain before suffering a heart attack.
The South Carolina Republican’s long-standing reputation as a foreign policy hawk had made him a target of fierce criticism — and hostility — far beyond the United States.
Before his death, Graham had been one of Trump’s strongest congressional allies on the war in Iran, frequently calling for military action and expressing skepticism that peace talks would produce a breakthrough.
In the days leading up to his death, Graham was in Ukraine, where he visited a drone site operated by defense firm SkyFall and held talks with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.
During his meeting with Zelensky, Graham remarked on how the Ukrainian leader had a positive meeting with President Trump in Turkey days earlier at the NATO summit there.
The late South Carolina Republican also announced a deal with President Trump’s team for a sanctions bill on Russia that would pave the way for much tougher penalties on countries that purchase oil from Moscow.
Graham, a staunch Trump ally, had long pushed for a bipartisan sanctions bill against Russia that had been kept in limbo due to the president’s suggesting it was unnecessary.
The late senator had looked vibrant and energetic during his visit to war-torn Ukraine. It was his 10th visit to Ukraine since Russia’s invasion began. He died just a day after returning.
“Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period,” the senator’s office added in a statement.
His death sparked mourning from international leaders across the world.
“Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!!!” Trump posted on Truth Social. “So sad.”
