Iran’s top cleric has issued a fatwa against US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu for being “enemies of God”, according to Iranian state media.
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi said the US president and Mr Netanyahu were guilty of “mohareb”, waging war against God, following attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Those identified as “mohareb” can face execution, crucifixion, amputation or exile, according to Iranian Sharia law.
The fatwa said: “Any person or regime that threatens or assaults the leadership and religious authority of the Islamic Ummah is considered a mohareb.”
Iranian clerics have issued similar fatwas in the past, the most famous of which targeted author Salman Rushdie following publication of his novel, The Satanic Verses.
Mr Rushdie lost his right eye in 2022 after he was stabbed several times in New York by a man citing the fatwa.
On 13 June, Israel launched aerial attacks on Iran after claiming it was just days away from developing a nuclear bomb.
The US followed days later, striking three nuclear facilities with 14 30,000-pound “bunker-busting” bombs.
Top Iran cleric issues fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu
Iran’s top cleric has issued a fatwa against US president Donald Trump and Israeli prime minister Netanyahu for being “enemies of God”, according to Iranian state media.
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi said the US president and Mr Netanyahu were guilty of “mohareb”, waging war against God, following attacks on Iran’s nuclear facilities.
Those identified as “mohareb” can face execution, crucifixion, limb amputation, or exile, according to Iranian Sharia law.
The fatwa said: “Any person or regime that threatens or assaults the leadership and religious authority of the Islamic Ummah is considered a mohareb.”
Alexander Butler30 June 2025 09:29
