Washington: Former US Vice President Dick Cheney, who served two terms under President George W. Bush and was a key figure in shaping US foreign policy after the 9/11 attacks, died at the age of 84, his family announced in a statement on Tuesday morning. Cheney passed away 'due to complications of pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease,' as detailed in the family's release.

According to Anadolu Agency, Cheney held several significant positions in his career, including White House Chief of Staff, Wyoming's Congressman, Secretary of Defense, and Vice President of the United States. His tenure as vice president from 2001 to 2009 marked him as a prominent and influential figure in American politics, particularly in the context of the Bush administration's response to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. Cheney was a pivotal force behind the invasions of Afghanistan and Iraq.

Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump publicly criticized Cheney and other officials, accusing them of persuading President George W. Bush to initiate the Iraq invasion. Trump stated, "He's the one that got us involved, along with Cheney and a couple of others, convinced Bush - which was a terrible decision - to blow up the Middle East."