Iran has indirectly issued a death threat against former US President Donald Trump, following a declaration by an influential cleric.
The cleric stated that threats against Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, are considered a grave sin punishable by death under Islam.
Nearly two weeks prior, Trump had indirectly threatened Khamenei, saying he was an “easy target” and adding, “We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now.”
Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, a prominent cleric from Qom, south of Tehran, did not name Trump directly.
However, in a religious declaration, he stated that threats against Khamenei or other religious leaders are deemed “Mohareb” – enemies of God – and are punishable by death, according to the state news agency Irna.
Makarem Shirazi was responding to a question regarding Trump. He explained that it is the duty of Muslims to hold these “enemies” accountable, adding that those who punish enemies of Islamic states and leaders are considered holy warriors, assured of divine blessing.