A top Iranian cleric escalated the Iran and Israel conflict by issuing a fatwa against Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them “warlords.” A 12-day military confrontation had already inflicted serious damage on Iran’s nuclear sites and prompted Iran to launch missile strikes on Israeli cities.
The cleric urged Muslims worldwide to take action against the two leaders.
Cleric Labels Trump and Netanyahu as ‘Warlords’
Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued the fatwa and directly declared both Trump and Netanyahu as enemies of the Islamic world. In his ruling, he stated, “Those who threaten the leadership and integrity of the Islamic Ummah are to be considered warlords.” Furthermore, he emphasised that anyone who challenges the unity of Islam must be labelled a “mohareb,” or one who wages war against God.
According to Iranian law, authorities punish moharebs with execution, crucifixion, or exile. Shirazi concluded his statement with a prayer, asking God to protect the Ummah from these “enemies” and hasten the arrival of the Mahdi, a messianic figure in Shiite Islam.
Notably, the fatwa closely mirrors the infamous 1989 order against author Salman Rushdie, which sparked years of attacks and assassination attempts. Most recently, in 2023, an assailant stabbed Rushdie in New York, leaving him blind in one eye.
Iran and Israel Conflict
The Iran and Israel conflict intensified over 12 days. Israeli and American forces carried out coordinated strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. On June 13, Israeli airstrikes hit key nuclear and military facilities in Iran. Reports say the strikes killed scientists and senior commanders.
In response, Iran launched ballistic missiles at several Israeli cities. This move escalated the crisis further. A week into the conflict, the United States joined the offensive. US forces struck three more Iranian nuclear facilities. At the same time, Trump warned Iran against enriching uranium to weapons-grade levels.
He said the US would respond with more military force. Shortly after this exchange, Grand Ayatollah Shirazi issued his fatwa. The decree raised the religious and political stakes even higher.