Lindsey Graham, the prominent ally of Donald Trump and US senator, has died aged 71. Mr Graham's office said the Republican representative for South Carolina died on Saturday "from a brief and sudden illness".

The statement continued: "Senator Graham's family appreciates prayers at this time and asks for privacy during this incredibly difficult period." The office did not provide any additional details.

Mr Graham was elected to the US Senate in 2002 and was running for a fifth term. He briefly ran for president in 2016 and clashed with Mr Trump, criticising him as "unfit for office".

However, he later emerged as one of Mr Trump’s top allies, speaking with him frequently and becoming a regular presence on the golf course alongside the president.

Mr Graham especially advised the president on foreign policy matters such as Iran and Russia, and had just announced an agreement with the Trump administration on Friday to move forward with a package of Russia sanctions.

He had been in Ukraine to meet with Volodymyr Zelensky, who acknowledged the senator’s 10th visit to the country and thanked him for "recognising our warriors".

As a member of the US House in the 1990s, Mr Graham backed policies aimed at isolating Iran and limiting its missile and nuclear programs.

He also cheered on Mr Trump’s decision to strike nuclear sites last year and had been a supporter of the latest conflict that started a few months ago.

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