US Senator Lindsey Graham dies aged 71 after brief illness

Prominent US Senator Lindsey Graham, a key ally of President Donald Trump, died on Saturday at the age of 71 following a "brief and sudden illness", his office said.

"On the evening of Saturday, July 11, US Senator Lindsey Graham passed away from a brief and sudden illness," Graham's office said in a statement posted on his official X account.

"Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period," the statement added.

Graham, the Republican senator from South Carolina, was known for his work on foreign policy. He was a strong supporter of the US-Israeli war on Iran and, in recent years, urged both the Trump and Biden administrations to support Ukraine in its war against Russia.

President Donald Trump paid tribute to Graham on Sunday, describing him as "one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known" in a post on Truth Social.

Graham sought the Republican presidential nomination in 2016 and criticised Trump during the campaign, warning Republicans against supporting him. Their relationship later deteriorated following the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, although Graham voted against convicting Trump during his impeachment trial.

The two later reconciled after Trump returned to office, and Graham supported his successful re-election campaign.