Republican hawk and Iran critic was frequent visitor to Middle East and respected among Gulf leaders

The South Carolina senator’s office said the 71-year-old died after a “brief and sudden illness.”

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham died Saturday after a brief and unexpected illness, his office said in statement posted on social media.

Firebrand US Senator Lindsey Graham has died at the age of 71 after a 'brief and sudden illness.'

Republican hawk and Iran critic was frequent visitor to Middle East and respected among Gulf leaders

Mr Graham, 71, a veteran senator, is notorious for often urging the US to go to war, especially wars that favour Israel.