Tehran, Iran — In a bold and inflammatory move, Iran’s top Shiite cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa – a religious decree – labeling former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “enemies of God”. The announcement follows weeks of escalating violence between Iran, Israel, and the United States, culminating in deadly military strikes and the looming threat of full-scale war.
The fatwa, which was reported by Iran’s semi-official Mehr News Agency, calls on Muslims worldwide to stand united against what the cleric describes as “warlords” threatening the Islamic leadership in Iran. The decree has triggered international alarm over rising tensions in the Middle East, particularly in the aftermath of a 12-day war that saw massive casualties on both sides.
The Fatwa Explained: A Religious Edict with Political Consequences
Grand Ayatollah Shirazi's decree goes beyond traditional clerical commentary. It carries the weight of religious law for millions of Twelver Shia Muslims, especially in Iran, where the separation between mosque and state is virtually nonexistent.
In his ruling, the Ayatollah declared:
"Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered a 'warlord' or a 'mohareb’.”
The term mohareb is deeply rooted in Islamic jurisprudence and refers to someone who wages war against God. Under Iranian law, being labeled a mohareb is extremely serious. It can carry punishments as severe as execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile, depending on the circumstances.
The fatwa continues:
“Any cooperation or support for that enemy by Muslims or Islamic states is haram (forbidden). It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.”
Shirazi also promised spiritual rewards to those who act in accordance with the fatwa, stating:
“If a Muslim who abides by his Muslim duty suffers hardship or loss in their campaign, they will be rewarded as a fighter in the way of God.”
Context: A 12-Day War Ignites Regional Chaos
The religious decree came shortly after a 12-day conflict erupted on June 13, ignited by a controversial Israeli airstrike on Iranian military installations. Among those killed in the initial attacks were several senior Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists — figures believed by Tel Aviv to be directly involved in Iran’s long-denied nuclear weapons program.
Iran retaliated swiftly, launching ballistic missile attacks at multiple cities across Israel. The situation intensified further when the United States joined Israeli forces in a joint strike that targeted three key nuclear facilities in Iran, marking a significant escalation in hostilities.
In response, Tehran launched a powerful counteroffensive, bombarding an American military base in Qatar. The attack reportedly caused several injuries among U.S. personnel and damaged sensitive infrastructure.
International observers have described the conflict as one of the most dangerous escalations between Iran, Israel, and the United States in recent years — one that threatens to engulf the entire region in war.
The Political and Religious Weight of a Fatwa
To understand the gravity of Shirazi’s pronouncement, it's important to understand what a fatwa is.
In Shiite Islam, a fatwa is a formal legal opinion issued by a Marja, or a Grand Ayatollah. These individuals hold the highest level of religious authority in Twelver Shiism, the dominant form of Islam in Iran. While not always legally binding outside Iran, a fatwa often serves as a spiritual directive and can influence both public sentiment and government policy.
In Iran’s theocratic system, where religious law and civil law are deeply intertwined, such a declaration can pave the way for both judicial and military action.
Historic Parallels: The Salman Rushdie Case
This is not the first time a fatwa has been issued against an individual by a top Iranian cleric. One of the most infamous examples occurred in 1989, when Iran’s then-Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini issued a fatwa calling for the death of author Salman Rushdie over his controversial book “The Satanic Verses.”
That decree had global consequences. Rushdie was forced into hiding for years. His Japanese translator was murdered, and there were assassination attempts on other publishers and translators of the book. In 2023, Rushdie was severely injured in a stabbing attack during a public event in New York, resulting in the loss of an eye.
The echo of that past fatwa in Shirazi’s current one has reignited debates about freedom of speech, religious authority, and the thin line between political dissent and perceived blasphemy in authoritarian religious states.
Global Reactions and Rising Tensions
As of now, neither the White House nor the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office has issued an official response to the fatwa. However, U.S. intelligence agencies are closely monitoring the situation, especially as it pertains to threats against American diplomatic staff and citizens abroad.
Regional analysts warn that this decree could embolden hardline militia groups across the Middle East, many of whom already have strong ties to Iran. Hezbollah in Lebanon, various factions in Iraq, and elements of Yemen’s Houthi rebels could potentially use the fatwa as a pretext to escalate actions against Israeli or U.S. interests.
In the streets of Tehran, thousands gathered outside mosques to express support for the fatwa. Many chanted slogans against the United States and Israel, holding up images of Trump and Netanyahu marked with red Xs.
Concerns from the International Community
Human rights groups and international diplomats have expressed alarm over the implications of this decree. The United Nations has called for calm, urging all sides to de-escalate tensions and avoid rhetoric that may incite violence.
European Union officials, many of whom are still working to restore a version of the Iran Nuclear Deal, fear that such declarations may derail diplomatic efforts permanently.
What Comes Next?
While Iran’s fatwa does not carry legal authority outside of its borders, its religious influence spans beyond the Middle East, reaching Shiite communities worldwide. The concern is not just about a symbolic condemnation, but about real-world consequences — attacks, incitement, and continued destabilization.
As military analysts assess damage from recent strikes and diplomatic teams scramble for solutions, the world watches anxiously. In a region already on edge, this new religious decree has poured fuel on a fire many fear could spark a broader war.