
Iranian Shiite Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi Wikipedia Commons By Tasnim News Agency, 2016.
| Published June 29, 2025
In a sharp escalation of rhetoric, a prominent Iranian religious leader has issued a fatwa declaring that anyone who threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader or top Shiite clerics is an “enemy of God”—a statement that some in the West, particularly conservative media, interpret as a veiled threat against former U.S. President Donald Trump.
Published on Iran’s state-linked Mehr News Agency, the fatwa by Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi stops short of naming Trump directly. However, it emphasizes that “any regime or person” who threatens the Supreme Leader or religious authorities—known as Marja—must be opposed, warning Muslims not to support such enemies and to make them “regret their words and mistakes.”
🇮🇷 The Fatwa’s Core Message
According to Mehr News, the fatwa frames threats to Iranian religious leaders as not just political attacks, but offenses against God. “Supporting them [threat-makers] is also haram [forbidden],” the cleric wrote, adding that Muslims must “fight” against such enemies—language rooted in religious doctrine but vague in execution.
The Gateway Pundit, a conservative U.S. news outlet, interpreted the message as a global call for Muslims to assassinate Donald Trump. The article emphasized past tensions, particularly after the 2020 U.S. drone strike that killed Iranian General Qassem Soleimani under Trump’s orders.
🧨 Dangerous Interpretations
While the fatwa uses strong language, it doesn’t explicitly call for violence or assassination. Iranian religious declarations often rely on metaphorical or theological terms, and terms like “enemy of God” can have layered meanings, particularly in Shi’a Islam. Yet, given Iran’s history of incendiary rhetoric—and past plots allegedly targeting Trump and former U.S. officials—the statement raises eyebrows.
In fact, a 2024 U.S. intelligence report revealed that Iranian agents had considered plotting against Trump in retaliation for Soleimani’s death, though no direct link to this new fatwa has been established.
🕊️ Religious Doctrine or Political Weapon?
Fatwas—Islamic legal rulings—carry significant weight within Shi’a clerical circles. While not legally binding internationally, they are often used to bolster ideological unity within Iran. Critics argue that their use in this context blurs the line between faith and foreign policy, inflaming global tensions.
Trump has not publicly responded to this development, but the fatwa adds a layer of symbolic hostility to an already fraught U.S.-Iran relationship.
Implications
🔺 1. Heightened Tensions Between Iran and the U.S.
Even without directly naming Trump, the fatwa reinforces Iran’s hostile posture toward U.S. political figures associated with the Soleimani strike. It adds fuel to an already volatile relationship, especially with ongoing reports of Iranian plots targeting former American officials.
🔎 2. Global Security Concerns
The vague but aggressive language may encourage radical individuals or groups to act independently, especially if they interpret the fatwa as religious justification for violence. Intelligence agencies may now heighten security around high-profile American political figures, particularly Trump.
🛡️ 3. Increased Risk to U.S. Allies and Diplomats Abroad
Fatwas like this can serve as ideological cover for attacks—not only against the U.S. but also its allies in the Middle East, especially Israel and Saudi Arabia. Embassies, diplomats, and military bases in the region could face elevated threat levels.
📢 4. Media Amplification and Public Polarization
The Western media’s interpretation—especially from outlets like The Gateway Pundit—can escalate public fear and deepen political divides. Some may see the fatwa as evidence of Iranian extremism; others might criticize the interpretation as fearmongering.
🧕 5. Religious Mobilization Inside Iran
Domestically, the fatwa strengthens the Iranian regime’s ideological grip. By framing critics as “enemies of God,” the ruling clerics rally public support, suppress dissent, and position themselves as defenders of Islam—not just political leaders.
⚖️ 6. Legal and Diplomatic Repercussions
If any violence were to occur following this fatwa, Iran could face international condemnation or further sanctions. The U.S. may cite it as justification for enhanced counterterrorism operations or even diplomatic retaliation.
Overall Takeaway:
The recent fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi is a stark reminder of how religious authority can be used to project political power. While the declaration doesn’t explicitly name Donald Trump or call for assassination, its broad and inflammatory wording has triggered serious concern in the West—especially given Iran’s history of retaliatory threats following the killing of General Qassem Soleimani.
This event highlights the dangerous intersection of faith, politics, and international conflict. Whether symbolic or strategic, such rhetoric can provoke real-world consequences—fueling mistrust, justifying retaliation, and raising global security risks. The fatwa may serve Iran’s internal narrative, but its ripple effects are already being felt far beyond its borders.
SOURCES: THE GATEWAY PUNDIT – Fatwa Calling for Muslims to Assassinate President Trump Issued by Iranian Ayatollah
MEHR NEWS AGENCY – Anybody who threatens Leader, Shia Marja is “Enemy of God”
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