Lindsey Graham remembered as dedicated advocate for Iran's opposition

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, who died Saturday at 71 after a brief illness, was remembered by Iranian opposition figures as a staunch American supporter of their fight against the Islamic Republic. Throughout the past year, Graham emerged as a leading voice in Washington advocating for support of the Iranian opposition and increased pressure on Tehran.

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It is a time of choosing. I choose the Iranian people over the murderous ayatollah. It is time for him to go.

Graham consistently argued that the United States should align itself with the Iranian people rather than their government. At a rally in Munich on February 14, he declared, "It is a time of choosing. I choose the Iranian people over the murderous ayatollah. It is time for him to go." He expressed belief that the Iranian people could become strong allies of the United States, stating, "Liberation is at hand... The Iranian people will be your friend. They will be your ally. Stand with the Iranian people. They deserve their freedom."

Reflecting on his participation in the Munich rally, Graham called it "one of the highlights of my life." He reiterated his stance on X, writing, "I have chosen the Iranian people over the ayatollah... 2026 is the time of choosing. I've chosen the brave Iranian people over their oppressor."

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Liberation is at hand... The Iranian people will be your friend. They will be your ally. Stand with the Iranian people. They deserve their freedom.

During an interview at the Munich Security Conference, Graham acknowledged the risks associated with regime change but argued they were outweighed by the dangers of the Islamic Republic remaining in power. He warned that the continued rule of the regime would lead to the elimination of Iranian dissidents and the strengthening of groups like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis. Graham hoped for a diplomatic solution but insisted, "We've had it with this regime. Think big. Don't let this moment pass."

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I have chosen the Iranian people over the ayatollah... 2026 is the time of choosing. I've chosen the brave Iranian people over their oppressor.

Graham maintained his position even as Washington pursued diplomatic efforts with Tehran. Appearing on CBS's "Face the Nation" in June, he stated his support for negotiations but expressed skepticism about their success, saying, "Let's try a diplomatic solution. I think it's going to fail." He also warned of strong U.S. action if Iran challenged control of the Strait of Hormuz.

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If Iran's regime stays standing, Iranian dissidents would be eliminated while Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis would continue to grow stronger.