Iran's Senior Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Trump and Netanyahu: A Call to Action for Muslims
A Bold Religious Decree from Iran
Tehran: Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, one of Iran's leading Shia clerics, has labeled US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as 'enemies of God' through a newly issued 'fatwa' (religious decree).
In his fatwa, Shirazi stated, "Any individual or regime that poses a threat to the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is deemed an enemy of God."
As reported by the semi-official Mehr news agency, Shirazi's office released a statement on Sunday urging Muslims globally to adopt a strong stance against such threats. He emphasized that if a Muslim who fulfills their religious duties faces hardship or loss in their struggle, they will be rewarded as a fighter in the path of God, God willing.
The fatwa further declared that any form of cooperation or support for these enemies by Muslims or Islamic nations is considered haram (forbidden). It is imperative for Muslims worldwide to make these adversaries regret their actions and statements.
This fatwa appears to be a response to perceived threats from President Trump and Israeli officials directed at Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
Recently, Trump claimed on his social media platform that he had saved Khamenei from experiencing 'a very ugly and ignominious death' and accused the Iranian leader of making false claims about defeating Israel.
In an interview, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz mentioned that during a 12-day conflict with Iran, Israel aimed to eliminate Khamenei but did not find the opportunity to do so. Katz stated, "If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out. We wanted to eliminate Khamenei, but there was no operational opportunity."
The conflict escalated when Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting significant Iranian military and nuclear sites.
In retaliation, Iran conducted missile strikes on Israeli cities and subsequently targeted US military bases in Qatar and Iraq, following American attacks on its nuclear facilities in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.
After twelve days of conflict, Trump announced a ceasefire between the two nations, which was accompanied by brief military exchanges between Iran and Israel.