Daijiworld Media Network - Washington

Washington, Jul 12: US Senator Lindsey Graham, a senior Republican lawmaker from South Carolina and a close ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday following a brief and sudden illness. He was 71. His office confirmed the news in a statement, but did not disclose the cause of death.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," his office said.

Just a day before his death, Graham met Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Kyiv during what was his 10th visit to Ukraine. Zelenskyy thanked the senator for his continued support and commitment to the country.

First elected to the US Senate in 2002, Graham was re-elected in 2008, 2014 and 2020. Before entering the Senate, he represented South Carolina's 3rd Congressional District in the US House of Representatives after his election in 1994.

Known for his hawkish foreign policy views, Graham was a vocal advocate of strong action against Iran and Russia. He also backed Trump's military actions targeting Iranian nuclear facilities and remained one of the president's closest advisers on national security and foreign policy matters.

Although Graham was a critic of Trump during the 2016 Republican presidential primary, the two later became close political allies. Graham frequently appeared alongside Trump and played a prominent role in shaping Republican positions on defence, judicial appointments and international affairs.

His sudden death has prompted tributes from political leaders in the United States and abroad. Under South Carolina law, Governor Henry McMaster is expected to appoint a temporary replacement until a special election is held to fill the vacant Senate seat.