Why Did Iran's Top Shia Cleric Issue a Fatwa Against Trump and Netanyahu?

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Why Did Iran's Top Shia Cleric Issue a Fatwa Against Trump and Netanyahu?

Synopsis

In a bold move, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi has declared Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu as 'enemies of God' through a newly issued fatwa. This decree calls for Muslims worldwide to reject any collaboration with these leaders, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region. Discover the implications of this declaration and the backdrop of the ongoing conflict.

Key Takeaways

  • Ayatollah Shirazi's fatwa: Labels Trump and Netanyahu as 'enemies of God'.
  • Call to action: Urges Muslims to reject cooperation with these leaders.
  • Escalating tensions: Reflects ongoing geopolitical conflicts in the region.
  • Operational opportunities: Israel's claims of targeting Khamenei remain controversial.
  • International implications: Raises questions about future diplomatic relations.

Tehran, June 30 (NationPress) One of Iran's most prominent Shia clerics, Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, has labeled US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "enemies of God" in a recently issued fatwa (religious decree) against them.

Shirazi stated, "Any person or regime that poses a threat to the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is deemed an enemy of God," in his fatwa.

As reported by the semi-official Mehr news agency, Shirazi's office released a statement on Sunday urging Muslims globally to adopt a robust stance against such threats. He emphasized that if a "Muslim who fulfills his religious obligations faces difficulties or losses in their struggle, they will be rewarded as a warrior in the path of God, by God's will."

Furthermore, he declared, "Any collaboration or assistance to that enemy by Muslims or Islamic nations is haram or prohibited. It is essential for all Muslims worldwide to make these enemies regret their statements and actions," the fatwa elaborated.

The issuance of the fatwa reportedly followed threats made by President Trump and Israeli officials against the Iranian supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Recently, Trump remarked on his social media platform that he had spared Khamenei from "a very ugly and shameful death," accusing the Iranian Supreme Leader of misrepresenting a supposed victory over Israel.

In an interview, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz claimed that during the 12-day conflict with Iran, Israel aimed to eliminate Khamenei, but the opportunity to do so never arose.

"If he had been in our sights, we would have taken him out. We wanted to eliminate Khamenei, but there was no operational opportunity," Katz disclosed in an interview with Israel's Channel 13.

The conflict ignited when Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion on June 13, targeting crucial Iranian military and nuclear installations.

In response, Iran launched missile strikes on Israeli cities and subsequently on US military bases in Qatar and Iraq. Tehran's actions followed American attacks on its nuclear sites in Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan.

After twelve days of hostilities, Trump announced a ceasefire between the two nations, which was accompanied by a brief exchange of military actions between Iran and Israel.

Point of View

It's essential to understand the ramifications of this fatwa. While it reflects deep-seated tensions, it also highlights the complex interplay of religious authority and political discourse in the region. The declaration serves as a reminder of the challenges facing diplomacy and the need for careful navigation in international relations.
NationPress
30/06/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the significance of the fatwa issued by Ayatollah Shirazi?
The fatwa declares Trump and Netanyahu as 'enemies of God', urging Muslims worldwide to reject any cooperation with them. This signifies the heightened tensions and religious implications of international politics.
How did the conflict between Iran and Israel escalate?
The conflict intensified following Israel's Operation Rising Lion, leading to mutual missile attacks and threats exchanged between the two nations.
What does 'haram' mean in this context?
'Haram' refers to actions that are forbidden in Islam, indicating that any support for Trump and Netanyahu is considered unacceptable by Shirazi.