'Enemy of God': Top Iranian cleric issues fatwa against Trump, Netanyahu
Days after US President Donald Trump's announcement of a ceasefire between Iran and Israel, a 'fatwa' has been issued against him and Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. File photo - US President Donald Trump welcomes Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the entrance of the White House(REUTERS)
The fatwa, a religious ruling in Islam, was issued by Grand Ayatollah Makarem Shirazi, a senior Iranian cleric, in response to a question by a group.
According to Iran's Mehr news agency, Shirazi was asked about Trump and Netanyahu's "threats" against Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, and what the Muslims' duties are in response to them.
"Any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered an enemy of God," the cleric reportedly said in the fatwa issued by him. In Shia Islam, Marja is a title given to top clerics who make legal decisions in Islamic law.
Shirazi also reminded Muslims and Islamic states that it would be "haram" to stand in support of the enemy. "It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes," the fatwa said.
A fatwa is a religious ruling issued by an Islamic scholar in response to a question on how to act in accordance with Islamic teachings. A fatwa is not legally enforceable but holds weight in judicial decisions in countries with Sharia-based legal systems.
The senior Iran cleric's fatwa comes days after Trump claimed he saved Khamenei from "an ugly and ignominious death", and knew exactly where he was sheltered.
During the 12-day Israel-Iran conflict, the Israeli military had been actively searching for Khamenei, with Defense Minister Israel Katz openly threatening to kill him. "I estimate that if Khamenei had been in our sights, we would have taken him out," Katz had reportedly said.
However, the ayatollah disappeared from the public eye once Israeli airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities began on June 13 and several top Iranian commanders and scientists were killed.
Days after the conflict began, Netanyahu also hinted at Khamenei's life being in danger, saying he was not ruling out eliminating the Supreme Leader, and that Israel was "doing what we need to do".
The conflict between Israel and Iran ended with a US-brokered ceasefire on June 24.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
13 minutes ago
- Time of India
India hardens stance on farm sector concessions as India-US trade talks stretch
India-US trade deal (Representative AI image) NEW DELHI: As India-US trade talks stretch into a new week with both sides chasing the July 9 deadline, government has hardened its stance on offering concessions in the farm sector. 'The Indian team may stay longer as crucial talks are continuing, but we don't just want to open up whatever is the demand (from the US) on agriculture as lives of millions of farmers are involved,' said a government source. Last week, India's chief negotiator Rajesh Agarwal and other officials had gone to the US on a two-day visit, but the talks have stretched as the US is also keen to conclude some deals before the pause on reciprocal tariffs – 26% in India's case -- ends in. In fact, on Thursday, US president Donald Trump had announced that a 'very big deal' with India is likely – the seventh time that he had announced an agreement. The Indian industry is also being prepared for dealing with reciprocal tariffs, in case the early tranche of the proposed bilateral trade deal does not work out. For India, a key concern is allowing lower duty import on agricultural products like maize, soybean and dairy products, which is being demanded by the US side. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 2025 Top Trending Local Enterprise Accounting Software [Click Here] Accounting ERP Click Here Undo Privately, several industry representatives have met commerce department brass and suggested that India should agree to the demands from the Trump administration, but government is keen to ensure that it is not a one-sided deal. Officials also conveyed to exporters on Monday that the limited deal, if it works out, will cover only a limited set of products with more tranches likely in the coming months. Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Mint
14 minutes ago
- Mint
Gold Edges Up as Traders Weigh Trump Tax Bill, US Trade Talks
Gold rose slightly, supported by a dip in the dollar, as Senate negotiations continued over President Donald Trump's $4.5 trillion tax package and US trade talks progressed ahead of a July 9 deadline. Bullion rose 0.3% on Monday, following two consecutive weekly declines. Republicans are seeking to convince holdouts to support the tax bill for final passage, with a vote set to spill into Monday. The bill's cost has been a big problem for fiscal conservatives amid concerns that it will further swell the deficit. Meanwhile, with just 10 days to go until Trump's country-specific tariffs are set to resume, investors were weighing signs of potential progress following recent comments from top White House advisers that indicated the US is nearing trade agreements with several nations. There's still plenty of uncertainty over the scope of the deals currently being discussed. If Trump's only two other accords — with China and the UK — offer any indication, the pacts likely won't be fulsome deals that resolve core issues and may leave many specifics to be negotiated later. Gold is up by about a quarter this year and is trading around $210 short of April's record, supported by demand for havens as investors grappled with elevated geopolitical and trade tensions. Still, the metal is on track for its first monthly decline this year as concerns about the Middle East conflict ease, and the US economy shows an improvement in consumer sentiment and inflation expectations. Spot gold was up 0.3% to $3,284.98 an ounce as of 10:41 a.m. in London. The Bloomberg Dollar Spot Index slipped 0.2%. Silver, platinum and palladium all climbed. With assistance from Jack Ryan.
Hindustan Times
19 minutes ago
- Hindustan Times
What are O-1 and EB-1 visas? Eligibility, categories and all you need to know about ‘Einstein visa'
The Donald Trump administration has intensified rules regarding the popular work and student visas, citing national security and public safety. Applicants are now required to mention their social media usernames or handles which they have used in the last five years and make them public to conduct enhanced screening. O-1 and EB-1 visas: Check eligibility, categories and more Due to this, several people, including skilled professionals and students from India, have started looking for new, elite immigration pathways to enter the United States. A few of these popular options include the O-1 visa and the EB-1A visa, which is also known as the 'Einstein visa.' These visa options are suitable for professionals in various fields like education, science, business, arts, and athletics. The non-immigrant visa can be obtained by individuals who possess extraordinary ability in their respective fields or hold a record of extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry, getting well recognised nationally or internationally, according to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). It is mainly classified into two categories: O-1A: People showing extraordinary ability in science, education, business or athletics. O-1B: Those having extraordinary ability in the arts or extraordinary achievement in the motion picture or TV industry. This visa option remains valid for up to three years, with the possibility of extension. Also, there is no cap on an O-1 visa, and its approval rate is nearly 93%. On the other hand, the H-1B visa's approval rate is a mere 37%. The O-1 visa option is costly and could fall anywhere between $10,000 and $30,000. As per the official data, more than 22,600 O-1 visas were issued last year, compared to 18,894 in 2023. EB-1A (Einstein Visa) Meant for people demonstrating extraordinary ability in various fields and have achieved 'national or international acclaim,' including Pulitzer, Oscar, Olympic Medal and others. Several aspects are considered before granting the EB-1A visa. For this category, people are required to apply by filing Form I-140. (Read More: EB-1 Visa: Eligibility criteria and categories explained for H-1B alternative) FAQs: 1. Which visa applications in the US need social media vetting? It is being done for student and exchange visitor applications under F, M, and J non-immigrant classifications. 2. What's the need for social media vetting? The Donald Trump administration will review applicants' presence on social media, such as platforms like Facebook, X and Instagram. 3. Which visa is called the Einstein Visa? The EB-1A green card (immigrant) category is often dubbed the Einstein visa.
