Graham Was Pursuing Saudi-Israel Normalisation Deal Before His Death

According to Axios, US Senator Lindsey Graham, a Republican from South Carolina who died on Sunday, was working in his final weeks on a diplomatic effort to advance normalisation between Saudi Arabia and Israel. The report says Saudi officials insisted that any deal must include a clear pathway and timeline towards the creation of an independent Palestinian state. Axios reported that Graham viewed the agreement as a key element of a broader post-war Middle East settlement and believed weakened Iranian influence could create an opportunity for a historic regional deal. Graham, who was a close outside adviser to Donald Trump on foreign policy, especially on Iran, had planned further diplomatic efforts after upcoming elections in Israel and the United States. The report says Graham spoke with Trump shortly before his death about Ukraine, Russia sanctions and Iran. He later complained of feeling unwell but planned to seek medical care after a scheduled television appearance. He joked that he still had unfinished work, including advancing Russia sanctions, addressing Iran and achieving Saudi-Israel normalisation.