JERUSALEM (VINnews)-Iran’s state broadcaster IRIB on Sunday celebrated the death of U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, a staunch advocate for confronting Iran and a longtime supporter of Israel, with a broadcast declaring that the senator had been “sent to hell.”

Graham, 71, died following a brief illness, according to reports. The South Carolina Republican was one of Washington’s most vocal critics of the Iranian regime and a consistent backer of strong U.S.-Israel ties.

In a segment aired by IRIB, the broadcaster stated: “I congratulate the Iranian nation on warmongering anti-Iran US Senator Lindsey Graham being sent to hell.”

The remarks reflect the deep animosity between Tehran and Graham, who for years pushed for maximum pressure on Iran, including sanctions and support for Israel’s security needs amid threats from the Islamic Republic and its proxies.

Graham served in the Senate since 1995 and played a key role in legislation and policy debates related to the Middle East. He frequently visited Israel and met with its leaders, positioning himself as a defender of the Jewish state against Iranian aggression.

VINnews will update this story as more details emerge.