Kurdish leaders expressed deep sorrow following the sudden death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Consequently, President Masoud Barzani released a heartfelt tribute on Sunday. He praised the South Carolina Republican as a true friend and stated that the Kurdish people will always cherish Graham’s legacy.
The veteran American lawmaker passed away on Saturday evening following a brief illness. Therefore, his family requested privacy during this difficult time. Shortly after the news broke, former U.S. President Donald Trump also honored his close ally, describing Graham as a great senator and a true American patriot.
Top officials in Erbil echoed these sentiments. Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani praised the senator’s enduring advocacy, while Prime Minister Masrour Barzani commended Graham’s unwavering support for the region. Together, these statements highlighted the strong bond between Erbil and Washington.
Throughout his long career, Graham consistently championed Kurdish security and political interests. For example, he strongly praised the Peshmerga forces for their bravery in the fight against ISIS. Furthermore, he argued that a strong partnership with Kurdish forces served vital American strategic interests.
Even in his final months, the senator continued to advocate for his allies. In January 2026, he co-introduced the Save the Kurds Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at protecting forces in northeastern Syria. Graham publicly argued that abandoning allies would damage American credibility worldwide.
President Masoud Barzani emphasized that Graham had earned a permanent place in Kurdish history. The late senator’s dedication significantly shaped modern U.S.-Kurdistan relations. Thus, the region will deeply miss his influential voice and continued support in Washington.