The announcement by the office of veteran US Sen. Lindsey Graham, who celebrated his 71st birthday just days ago, that he had died suddenly sent shockwaves through Washington's political establishment.
While Israeli leaders paid tribute to him, describing him as "a great friend" of the Jewish state, Iran's regime wasted no time using the moment to express extraordinary public gloating over the death of a senator who had long been regarded as one of Tehran's most outspoken adversaries.
Iranian media statement
"I congratulate the Iranian nation on warmongering anti-Iran US senator Lindsey Graham being sent to hell."
(rough translation) pic.twitter.com/sb4ry3bydx
— John Hussain (@johnhussainpres) July 12, 2026
'I'm so happy I'll read the news again'
Iran's state television made no attempt to hide its satisfaction. A senior anchor on the state broadcaster said live on air: "I congratulate the great Iranian nation that Lindsey Graham, the American warmongering senator and enemy of Iran, has gone to hell."
Meanwhile, a presenter on YJC, a network affiliated with Iran's ruling regime, struggled to conceal his smile, telling viewers that he was "so happy about Graham's death" that he had to read the news again: "Lindsey Graham has gone to hell."
He added: "Sen. Graham was one of the most determined anti-Iranian figures in the US Congress and repeatedly supported Trump's attacks against Iran. Even Graham's own office used the phrase 'sudden illness' to describe the cause of the American senator's death. He incited attacks on Iran, celebrated the massacre of the Iranian people, and supported the child-killing Zionist regime."
Social media accounts associated with the Iranian regime also circulated posts describing the late senator as a "child killer."
Tehran's hostility toward Graham was no coincidence. The South Carolina senator, who served in the Senate from 2003 and became one of the principal architects of Republican foreign policy as well as one of President Donald Trump's closest allies, consistently advocated a hard-line approach toward Iran.
A steadfast friend of Israel
In Jerusalem, news of Graham's death was met with deep sorrow. He was widely regarded as one of Israel's strongest supporters on Capitol Hill and maintained a close personal relationship with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who described him as "a great friend of Israel."
Graham consistently argued that the US was obligated to provide Israel with everything it needed to defend itself and ensure its security.
