Iran has issued a harsh response following the reported death of US Senator Lindsey Graham, saying the Iranian people have no reason to grieve a politician it accused of promoting hostility against the country.

Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmaeil Baghaei said Graham’s political legacy was built on “aggression and intimidation,” arguing that his long-standing positions toward Tehran left no room for sympathy in Iran.

“Our people will not mourn a man whose philosophy on life was aggression and intimidation,” Baghaei said. He went on to describe the late senator as “malicious” and “hot-tempered.”

The remarks came after reports that Graham died suddenly at the age of 71. Iranian state television also broadcast segments in which several presenters openly welcomed news of his death.

Graham had been among the strongest advocates in Washington for taking a hard line against Iran and consistently backed close US-Israel cooperation, including support for military action against Tehran.