Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani expressed profound grief over the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham. Consequently, the president sent deep condolences to the lawmaker’s family on Sunday. He described the late Republican politician as a valuable friend. He also praised his lasting support for the Kurdistan Region.
Furthermore, the president shared his emotional statement on the social media platform X. He highlighted the lawmaker’s long-term commitment to the Kurdish people. In addition, Barzani praised the senator’s strategic vision. Therefore, the Kurdish people will always remember his advocacy with gratitude.
Meanwhile, the official office of Lindsey Graham announced his sudden passing on Saturday evening. The South Carolina Republican suffered a brief, unexpected illness before his death. Following this tragic news, his staff requested privacy for the family. However, the office did not release any specific medical details.
This loss concludes a highly influential political career. Notably, Graham shaped American foreign policy and national security matters for many years. He constantly focused his legislative efforts on Middle East affairs. Moreover, his strong engagement with the Kurdistan Region persisted through multiple presidential administrations. He regularly urged Washington to strengthen its ties with Erbil.
For instance, Graham introduced the vital Save the Kurds Act earlier this year. Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal also joined him to sponsor this protective legislation. They introduced this crucial bill in late January 2026. This measure directly targeted threats against Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria. Specifically, Graham defended the Syrian Democratic Forces as indispensable partners against ISIS.
He argued that regional stability depended heavily on the safety of these fighters. Accordingly, the bill proposed strict sanctions on foreign entities that backed the Syrian government. Because of these efforts, Kurdish leaders widely recognized him as a reliable partner. He frequently visited the Kurdistan Region to discuss defense cooperation. Thus, President Barzani’s tribute emphasizes this deep bond of mutual respect. Ultimately, the senator leaves behind a historic legacy of friendship.