### Escalating Tensions: Iran's Top Cleric Issues Fatwa Against Trump and Netanyahu On June 30, 2025, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a prominent Shiite cleric in Iran, issued a fatwa declaring U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as "enemies of God." This religious decree comes in the wake of heightened tensions following a recent U.S.-brokered ceasefire and a 12-day conflict that began with Israeli airstrikes in Iran. Shirazi's fatwa calls for global Muslim unity against these leaders, labeling any support for them as forbidden. The cleric's statements reflect a broader sentiment within Iran's religious leadership, emphasizing the need for retaliation against perceived threats to the country's sovereignty and its Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei [https://www.indiatoday.in/world/story/enemies-will-be-avenged-irans-top-cleric-issues-fatwa-against-trump-netanyahu-2748134-2025-06-30, https://www.timesnownews.com/world/iran-top-cleric-ayatollah-issues-fatwa-against-donald-trump-israel-pm-netanyahu-enemies-of-god-article-152181561]. ### Structure of the Response 1. **Context of the Fatwa** - Background on the conflict leading to the fatwa. - The significance of the fatwa in Iranian society and politics. 2. **Details of the Fatwa** - Specific declarations made by Ayatollah Shirazi. - The implications for U.S.-Iran and Israel-Iran relations. 3. **Reactions and Implications** - Responses from international communities and analysts. - Potential consequences for global security and terrorism fears. 4. **Conclusion and Future Outlook** - Summary of the fatwa's impact on regional dynamics. - Predictions for future interactions between Iran, the U.S., and Israel. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Fatwa Details**: The fatwa labels Trump and Netanyahu as "Mohareb," a term used in Islamic law to denote enemies of God, and calls for Muslims worldwide to unite against them [https://gulfnews.com/world/mena/irans-top-cleric-issues-fatwa-declaring-trump-and-netanyahu-mohareb-or-enemies-of-god-1.500181601]. - **Conflict Background**: The recent conflict began on June 13, 2025, with Israeli airstrikes, escalating tensions that led to the cleric's strong condemnation [https://www.mid-day.com/news/world-news/article/middle-east-tensions-fatwa-issued-by-ayatollah-brands-trump-netanyahu-as-enemies-of-god-23582068]. - **Global Reactions**: Analysts express concerns that the fatwa could incite violence and terrorism, heightening fears of retaliatory actions against U.S. and Israeli interests [https://www.mediaite.com/media/news/top-iranian-cleric-slaps-trump-and-netanyahu-with-a-fatwa-sparking-global-terrorism-fears]. ### Summary of Findings 1. **Fatwa Issued**: Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi has declared Trump and Netanyahu as "enemies of God," calling for Muslim unity against them. 2. **Contextual Background**: This fatwa follows a period of intense conflict and threats to Iran's leadership, reflecting deep-seated animosity towards U.S. and Israeli policies. 3. **Potential Consequences**: The fatwa raises alarms about possible escalations in violence and terrorism, with analysts warning of increased risks to global security. 4. **Future Implications**: The issuance of this fatwa could significantly impact diplomatic relations and security dynamics in the Middle East, necessitating close monitoring of developments in the region [https://www.breitbart.com/middle-east/2025/06/30/top-iranian-clerics-issue-fatwas-condemning-trump-and-netanyahu, https://www.republicworld.com/world-news/iran-issues-fatwa-against-trump-and-netanyahu-calls-them-enemies-of-god].