Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
U.S. Watchdog Urges Sanctions Against Iranian Clerics Promoting Death Fatwas Against Trump
First on Fox: United Against Nuclear Iran, a prominent U.S. watchdog group, has called on the American government to impose sanctions on senior Iranian clerics and regime-affiliated institutions for issuing Islamic legal rulings. These rulings, known as fatwas, call for the torture and assassination of President Donald Trump, other American citizens, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Understanding the Fatwas and Their Implications
The fatwas invoke the Islamic charge of mohareb, which translates to “waging war against God.” In Iran’s penal code, this term mandates severe punishments, including crucifixion and cross-amputation, according to the regime’s interpretation of Sharia law.
Calls for Accountability
In a statement to Fox News, Jeb Bush, chairman of UANI, and Mark Wallace, the organization’s CEO and former U.S. ambassador to the United Nations for Management and Reform, highlighted the seriousness of the threats. They emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that threats against the president of the United States and other citizens constitute federal crimes. These individuals and entities should face sanctions, indictment, and travel bans to the United States, as well as its allies.
Past Fatwas and the Urgency for Action
The last known fatwa targeting an American citizen was directed at author Salman Rushdie and nearly cost him his life when he was attacked by an Iranian sympathizer. This event underlines the necessity of ensuring that those who threaten Americans are met with the full force of the law.
Identifying the Key Threats
UANI has released a list of eleven individuals and two regime-linked entities that have not yet faced U.S. sanctions under counterterrorism laws. The group is advocating for all listed individuals to be designated as Specially Designated Global Terrorists under Executive Order 13224, which applies to those engaged in or supporting terrorism.
Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi
One of the most prominent targets identified is Ayatollah Naser Makarem-Shirazi, a powerful cleric referred to as the “Sultan of Sugar” due to his control over Iran’s lucrative sugar market. Makarem-Shirazi has called for both President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu to face execution under mohareb, indicating he believes torture should precede their execution.
Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani
Another significant figure, Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hamedani, a former representative of Ayatollah Khomeini in Europe, has made multiple threatening statements against the Jewish community and has personally issued fatwas calling for violence against Trump and Netanyahu. UANI argues that these fatwas constitute direct incitement to terrorism.
Official Responses and Perspectives
According to Jason Brodsky, UANI’s policy director, these statements are not mere religious declarations. Instead, they represent targeted threats from regime officials against the U.S. president. Brodsky insists that the U.S. should respond by implementing sanctions, pursuing legal actions, and reviewing immigration policies accordingly.
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki
The list also features Ayatollah Mohsen Araki, the former representative of the supreme leader in the United Kingdom. He leads the Islamic Center of England, known for promoting the Islamic Revolution in Europe. Recently, Araki threatened that Trump and Netanyahu’s lives are no longer safe, classifying the U.S. government as a hostile entity.
Spreading Radicalism Through Influence
Brodsky warns that Araki’s roles demonstrate how Iran utilizes religious institutions abroad to propagate its revolutionary ideology. He stressed this situation raises serious concerns regarding how the regime disseminates radicalism through supposed religious charities.
Alireza Panahian’s Role
Alireza Panahian, another cleric associated with the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, is characterized by UANI as a key architect of Iran’s Mahdism ideology. This doctrine advocates for the annihilation of Jews and the destruction of Israel as prerequisites for the arrival of the Hidden Imam. Panahian has made vocal calls for terrorist attacks against U.S.-led forces in the Middle East.
The Danger from State Media
UANI is also advocating for counterterrorism sanctions against the Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting, the regime’s state-run television. The organization revealed that IRIB hosted programs promoting a bounty of between ten to twenty million dollars for the assassination of President Trump.
The Reach of Religious Institutions
The Qom Seminary, Iran’s premier religious training center, has publicly endorsed and pledged to implement fatwas against Trump and Netanyahu. Faculty and students at the seminary reportedly signed statements affirming their commitment to disseminate the decree.
The Real-World Impact of Fatwas
Brodsky reminds us how fatwas can lead to actual violence, citing the recent attack on Salman Rushdie. He notes that the threats directed at Trump mirror those aimed at Rushdie, reinforcing the need for vigilance while he remains in office.
Urgency for U.S. Action
In light of these developments, the call for a decisive U.S. response to Iranian threats has never been more urgent. The implications of unchecked threats against American leaders must be taken seriously, particularly in a global landscape where terrorism is a persistent concern.
