In a forceful religious decree issued Sunday, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, one of Iran’s most senior Shiite clerics, pronounced a fatwa branding former US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as mohareb—“enemies of God.” The ruling calls on Muslims worldwide to “make them regret their words and mistakes,” labeling supporters as haram and promising divine rewards for those who act
Under Iran’s religious legal framework, being classified as mohareb can warrant the death penalty, including execution or crucifixion. The fatwa follows a recent 12-day military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the United States that saw airstrikes targeting Iran’s nuclear sites and retaliatory missile exchanges.
A statement published via Mehr News Agency emphasized that any regime threatening Iran’s Supreme Leader or major clerics should be treated as war criminals. Makarem urged global Muslim solidarity against the two leaders, with promises of divine reward for those facing hardship in this cause.
Analysts warn this fatwa mirrors past calls to violence, such as the infamous 1989 decree against Salman Rushdie, which triggered international attempts on his life. British-Iranian commentator Niyak Ghorbani condemned the decree as “state-endorsed incitement to global terrorism,” highlighting its far-reaching implications.
As yet, neither Trump nor Netanyahu have formally responded to the fatwa. Sources indicate both remain under tight security amid heightened regional tensions. Western officials warn that such religious edicts could embolden extremist groups to commit political violence.
