Iran’s top cleric issues fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu, calling them ‘enemies of god’

A prominent Shiite cleric in Iran, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa declaring Trump and Netanyahu as "enemies of God"

PGurus Newsdesk

June 30, 2025

A prominent Shiite cleric in Iran, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa declaring Trump and Netanyahu as "enemies of God"

“Make them regret”: Iranian Ayatollah targets Trump and Netanyahu in fatwa

Iran‘s prominent Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa—an Islamic religious ruling—against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He labeled both leaders as “enemies of God,” urging Muslims worldwide to stand united in confronting them for what he described as threats to the Islamic Republic‘s leadership.

According to Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, the fatwa stated that any individual or government posing a threat to Iran’s Supreme Leader or top religious figures (referred to as Marja) should be considered a “mohareb,” or someone at war with God.

Understanding the fatwa’s implications

Under Iranian law, individuals classified as mohareb can face severe penalties, including execution, amputation, or exile. The fatwa further emphasized that Muslim nations and individuals must refrain from offering any form of support or cooperation to those considered enemies, as such actions are deemed haram (forbidden in Islam).

The cleric also noted that any Muslim who suffers hardship while opposing such figures would be rewarded spiritually, likening their efforts to fighting in the cause of God.

Background: Military escalation between Iran, Israel, and the US

This decree came in the aftermath of a violent 12-day conflict that began on June 13. The escalation started with Israeli airstrikes targeting key Iranian military officials and scientists linked to its nuclear development. In response, Iran launched missile strikes at Israeli cities.

The situation intensified when US forces joined Israeli operations, targeting three nuclear facilities in Iran. Tehran retaliated by attacking a US military base located in Qatar. The conflict marked a significant spike in hostilities between the nations, fueled by ongoing disputes over Iran’s alleged nuclear ambitions, claims that Tehran has consistently denied.

What is a fatwa?

A fatwa is an official legal opinion or interpretation issued by a Marja, the highest authority in Twelver Shia Islam. These decrees are considered binding for followers and can influence both individual behavior and governmental policies.

Fatwas have historically been used by Iranian clerics to target individuals viewed as threats. One of the most notable examples is the 1989 fatwa against author Salman Rushdie over his book The Satanic Verses. The decree called for Rushdie’s assassination, resulting in multiple violent incidents, including the killing of his Japanese translator and a stabbing attack on Rushdie in 2023.

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