'Enemies of God': Iran's fatwa against Trump and Netanyahu

TEHRAN: Iran has issued a fatwa (religious edict) against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Trump and Netanyahu are enemies of God and Muslims around the world should unite against them, said the fatwa issued by Grand Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi, one of Iran's most senior Shia clerics.

"Both of them should be removed from power for posing a threat to the Iranian leadership. Any individual or regime that threatens the leader is considered a moharebeh (one who fights against God). Muslims or Islamic countries should not cooperate with or support this enemy." "These enemies must repent of their words and deeds," the fatwa said.

Under Iranian law, those considered moharebeh can face the death penalty, amputation of limbs, and deportation. The fatwa was issued in the wake of the 12-day Iran-Israel war that began on June 13.

935 deaths

Iran says 935 people were killed in the country during the conflict with Israel. This is based on forensic data. Among the dead were 132 women and 38 children. Iran had previously revealed that a total of 610 people were killed. At the same time, it was announced that 79 people were killed in the Israeli bombing of Evin prison in Tehran.

28 people were killed in Israel during the attacks. Israel had killed top Iranian military commanders and nuclear scientists. The US had bombed three nuclear sites in Iran, including the underground uranium enrichment centre at Fordow.