Divine Decree of Defiance: Iran’s Top Cleric Declares Trump and Netanyahu ‘Enemies of God’

International News: The fatwa issued by Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi marks a significant escalation in the ideological war accompanying the military and diplomatic conflict in the Middle East. With religious decree now reinforcing political resistance, tensions between Iran, Israel, and the U.S. have moved beyond the battlefield into the hearts and minds of millions across the Islamic world. Whether this leads to broader solidarity or deeper division remains to be seen—but one thing is clear: the rhetoric of war is now being echoed from the pulpit.

Ayatollah’s Fatwa Sparks Global Attention

In a bold and sweeping religious declaration, Iran’s leading Shia cleric, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, has issued a fatwa against U.S. President Donald Trump and Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu. Labeling the two leaders as “enemies of God,” the fatwa warns all Muslims and Islamic governments that offering any form of support to such individuals is strictly forbidden under Islamic law. This powerful statement, which reverberates across the Muslim world, comes at a time of heightened tensions between Iran, Israel, and the United States.

The Religious Command: No Aid to “Enemies”

According to the fatwa, Ayatollah Shirazi states that any person or authority that threatens a marja (a high-ranking Shia scholar or leader) is in direct enmity with God. The fatwa goes further to say that any collaboration or assistance provided to such enemies by Muslims or Islamic nations is “haram”—prohibited in Islam. “It is obligatory for all Muslims around the world to ensure these enemies regret their words and actions,” reads the statement. The cleric urged Muslims globally to resist such threats firmly and actively.

Context: Accusations Against Trump and Netanyahu

The fatwa appears to be a direct response to recent comments made by Donald Trump and Israeli officials. Trump recently claimed in an interview that he had saved Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei from “a horrific and disgraceful death.” He also accused Khamenei of spreading misinformation about Israel’s defeats in recent conflicts. Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz revealed that during Israel’s recent 12-day conflict with Iran, there were discussions about targeting Khamenei himself—although such an operation never materialized. These statements have further strained already fragile ties between the nations.

‘Operation Rising Lion’ and Its Fallout

The backdrop of this religious decree includes the recent military operation launched by Israel, codenamed "Operation Rising Lion," which began on June 13. The operation targeted key Iranian military and nuclear facilities in a coordinated assault. Iran retaliated by launching missile strikes on Israeli cities and, later, on American military bases located in Qatar and Iraq. The conflict escalated rapidly, lasting twelve intense days before both sides agreed to a ceasefire. Though the fighting has stopped for now, the wounds are still fresh, and rhetoric remains fiery on all sides.

Call for Islamic Unity Against Western Threats

Shirazi’s fatwa is not merely a religious ruling; it is also a political call to action. He invoked religious duty, stating that any Muslim who suffers hardship while resisting these threats will be rewarded as a warrior in the path of God. This language is likely to resonate with many Shia communities worldwide, potentially influencing public opinion and state policies in countries sympathetic to Iran. While the fatwa doesn’t incite violence, its moral and theological weight could further polarize an already divided geopolitical landscape.