On Sunday, Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) Prime Minister Masrour Barzani mourned the passing of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, noting that the people of Kurdistan will always remember his friendship.

“It is with deep sorrow and sadness that I learned of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham,” KRG Prime Minister Barzani posted on X.  “I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, loved ones, and the leadership and members of the U.S. Senate. The people of Kurdistan will always remember his friendship and steadfast support.”

Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani also said that he was deeply saddened by the passing of Senator Graham.

“A valued friend of the people of Kurdistan. His advocacy and unwavering support for Kurdistan will always be remembered with gratitude. My heartfelt condolences go out to his family, friends, and colleagues,” President Nechirvan Barzani wrote on X.

On Sunday, the Office of Senator Graham announced that the senator had passed away on Saturday “from a brief and sudden illness. Senator Graham’s family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period.” 

U.S. President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social that “Senator Lindsey Graham, one of the greatest people and Senators I have ever known, is dead! He was always working, and was a true American Patriot. Lindsey will be greatly missed!”

Senator Graham was one of the biggest advocates of Kurdish rights in the U.S. Senate. 

On February 28, 2024, in Washington D.C., KRG Prime Minister Barzani thanked Senator Graham and the United States for their steadfast support of the Kurdistan Region. Senator Graham, in turn, expressed his aspirations for a stronger Kurdistan and reiterated his backing for the Kurdish people’s legitimate demands and rights. 

In January, Senator Graham and Senator Richard Blumenthal introduced the Save the Kurds Act, in response to the Syrian government forces’ repeated attacks on the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces. 

In February, Erbil Governorate announced plans to erect a statue of U.S. Senator Graham to honor his long-standing friendship with the Kurdish people and advocacy for U.S. support of the Kurdistan Region.