A few days after US President Donald Trump announced a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, a senior Iranian cleric has issued a fatwa against both Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
What Is the Fatwa About?
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a prominent Shia scholar in Iran, issued the fatwa in response to a question raised by a group of followers. The question focused on the threats made by Trump and Netanyahu toward Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.
According to Iran’s Mehr News Agency, Shirazi declared in the fatwa, “Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered an enemy of God.” In Shia Islam, the term Marja refers to top religious leaders who can issue Islamic legal rulings.
Cleric Urges Muslims to Reject the ‘Enemies’
In his ruling, Shirazi reminded Muslims and Islamic countries not to support those who threaten their religious leaders. He said, “It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.” He also called it “haram”—religiously forbidden—for Muslims to support such enemies.
What Is a Fatwa?
A fatwa is a religious opinion or ruling given by a qualified Islamic scholar in response to a specific question. Though not legally binding, fatwas can carry significant influence, especially in countries that follow Sharia law. In this case, Shirazi’s fatwa is symbolic but may shape how many people view Trump and Netanyahu within certain Islamic communities.
Trump’s Claim Sparked Backlash
The fatwa follows recent remarks by Trump, who claimed he had saved Iran’s Supreme Leader from death. Trump said he “saved Khamenei from an ugly and ignominious death” and also claimed he knew where the leader had been hiding during the conflict.
Israel Reportedly Targeted Khamenei During Conflict
The 12-day conflict between Iran and Israel saw rising tension and open threats. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz openly said, “I estimate that if Khamenei had been in our sights, we would have taken him out.”
During Israeli airstrikes on June 13 targeting Iran’s nuclear facilities, Supreme Leader Khamenei vanished from public view. The strikes reportedly killed several top Iranian scientists and military commanders.
Netanyahu Also Threatened Khamenei
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also hinted that Khamenei could be targeted. He said Israel was “doing what we need to do” and did not rule out the possibility of eliminating Iran’s Supreme Leader.
Conflict Ends with US-Brokered Ceasefire
The fighting between Iran and Israel came to an end on June 24 when the United States stepped in and brokered a ceasefire. However, tensions remain high. The fatwa issued by Shirazi reflects the anger among some Iranian religious leaders toward Trump and Netanyahu.