US senator posts photo lighting cigarette off image of Iran’s leader PHOTO

A US senator has stirred debate online after posting a photo of himself lighting a cigarette from an image of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Senator Tim Shihy shared the image on social media amid ongoing anti-government protests in Iran, a movement that has gained particular attention among young women.

Alongside the photo, he wrote: “Smoke 'em if you got 'em.” (ed. slang for "do what you want, if you have the means").

The post quickly drew reactions from fellow Republican senators. Ted Cruz described it as “Spectacular," adding that America stands with the people of Iran against the Islamist tyrants.

Senator Lindsey Graham also praised the image, calling it “beyond awesome” and stating that “the bravest woman on the planet got a shout out from the baddest dude in the Senate. Well done. Make Iran Great Again."

By Aghakazim Guliyev