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Unreleased documentary footage shows the late US Senator Lindsey Graham celebrating the war on Iran, saying it was “the best thing” he had ever done, as reported by Al Jazeera. The same footage, according to The Wall Street Journal as reported by the Jerusalem Post, reveals Graham spent years privately pressing US President Donald Trump and foreign leaders to overthrow Iran’s regime, at times advocating military action that went beyond what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was prepared to support.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera’s report focuses on Graham’s celebration of the war, quoting him as saying it was “the best thing” he had ever done. The Jerusalem Post, citing The Wall Street Journal, provides more detail on Graham’s behind-the-scenes efforts, including specific conversations and his advocacy for a broader campaign.

Key Claims

  • Unreleased documentary footage shows Graham celebrating the war on Iran, saying it was “the best thing” he had ever done.
  • Graham had pushed for military action for years and spent years privately pressing President Trump and foreign leaders to overthrow Iran’s regime.
  • Graham advocated for military action beyond what Prime Minister Netanyahu was prepared to support.
  • Graham had conversations with Netanyahu and other foreign leaders, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud.
  • Graham made efforts to gain support for the campaign against Iran and predicted political instability in Iran within three to four weeks.
  • Graham’s prediction of political instability in Iran proved inaccurate as the fighting continued.
The Jerusalem Post reports that one exchange captured on March 4 shows Graham planning to travel to Florida to persuade Trump to bring the US into Israel’s campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon while the Iran war was underway. Netanyahu urged Graham not to expand the campaign too quickly, warning that a full-scale offensive would leave Hezbollah with no reason to exercise restraint against Israel. Graham accepted the prime minister’s argument, responding, “That’s actually good counsel.”

The footage was recorded by filmmaker Alex Holder, who had followed Graham since 2023 and had been granted extensive access to his meetings, travel, and telephone conversations. Holder is reviewing hundreds of hours of footage for a documentary currently titled Lindsey’s Game, which he intends to release in the coming months. Graham had agreed to participate because he wanted the film to document his Senate career and encourage others to enter public service.

Perspectives

  • Al Jazeera: Emphasizes Graham’s celebration of the war, framing his support as a cause for criticism.
  • Jerusalem Post/WSJ: Focuses on Graham’s advocacy for US intervention, detailing his efforts to influence foreign policy and his relationships with other leaders.