Imagine a world where a foreign cleric’s decree could ignite global tensions, threatening a U.S. president’s safety. A shocking new development from Iran has done just that, raising alarms about international security and America’s standing on the world stage.

Summary

• Iran’s Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring President Donald Trump an “enemy of God.”
• The fatwa labels Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “mohareb,” a term that could warrant severe punishments under Iranian law.
• The decree calls on Muslims worldwide to oppose Trump for alleged threats against Iran’s Supreme Leader.
• Critics warn the fatwa could incite global terrorism, drawing parallels to the 1989 Salman Rushdie case.
• The ruling heightens tensions following recent U.S.-Israel strikes on Iranian targets.

A Dangerous Decree

A chilling religious edict from Iran has thrust President Donald Trump into the crosshairs of a prominent Shia cleric, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. This unprecedented move has sparked concerns about its implications for America’s leader and global stability.

The Fatwa’s Origins

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a leading Shia authority in Iran, issued a fatwa on June 29, branding President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as “mohareb”—those who wage war against God. 

The decree, reported by Iranian state media, accuses Trump of threatening Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Under Iran’s Islamic Penal Code, such a designation could justify execution, crucifixion, amputation, or exile. 

“Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja is considered a ‘warlord’ or a ‘mohareb’,” Makarem declared, urging Muslims globally to “make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.”

Global Implications

The fatwa’s broad language has raised alarms about potential violence. Niyak Ghorbani, an Iranian-born commentator, warned on X: “This is not just a threat to Iranians—it’s a global danger. A top Iranian cleric has issued a fatwa openly calling for violent jihad against Western leaders.” 

The edict’s similarity to the 1989 fatwa against Salman Rushdie, which led to a 2022 stabbing, underscores its gravity. Analysts fear it could embolden radicals or intensify Iran’s crackdown on domestic dissent.

America’s Response

The White House has yet to comment officially, but the fatwa follows Trump’s claims about knowing Khamenei’s whereabouts, calling him an “easy target.” This rhetoric, combined with recent U.S.-backed Israeli strikes on Iran, has fueled Tehran’s ire. 

“Iran’s clerical class is raising the stakes for opposing their regime,” said Behnam Ben Taleblu, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

A Call for Vigilance

This fatwa is a stark reminder of Iran’s hostility toward American leadership. As tensions simmer, conservatives will likely demand a robust response to protect U.S. interests and ensure President Trump’s safety against this provocative threat.