An Iranian ayatollah (senior cleric) has issued a religious decree suggesting retribution against U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Some experts express concern, calling it an act of inciting terrorism.
According to Iran's state-run Mehr news agency on the 29th (local time), Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi announced a fatwā targeting President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
A fatwā is the opinion and interpretation given by an Islamic scholar regarding Islamic law, which holds authority beyond law in law-abiding countries in the Middle East.
Shirazi reportedly stated through this fatwā that "Individuals and governments that jeopardize the leadership and unity of the global Islamic community will be considered Mohareb (one who wages war against God)." According to Iranian law, those designated as Mohareb face severe punishments such as execution, amputation, and exile.
This action is interpreted as a response to Trump and Netanyahu's earlier threats to eliminate Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Hosein Khamenei. Khamenei has been in a precarious situation, having designated three succession candidates in preparation for his potential assassination as U.S. airstrikes followed Israel's actions.
There are concerns that this fatwā announcement could promote terrorism globally. Niyaz Gorvani, an expert on Iran in the U.K., warned that "Islamic countries may carry out international terrorism under the pretext of religion" and noted that it could serve as an opportunity to launch jihad (anti-Western struggle) against Western countries.