❓WHAT HAPPENED: The Iranian President has claimed there is no official fatwa against Donald Trump from the Iranian government, despite recent news to the contrary.
👤WHO WAS INVOLVED: Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Tucker Carlson.
📍WHEN & WHERE: Interview aired on Monday, July 7, 2025.
💬KEY QUOTE: “I can assure you that the meaning of this fatwa should not be construed or considered as a threat against an individual.” – Masoud Pezeshkian
🎯IMPACT: The statement aims to clarify Iran’s stance and counterclaims of threats against Trump.
In an interview with Tucker Carlson, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian addressed claims regarding fatwas supposedly issued against former U.S. President Donald Trump. Pezeshkian emphasized that, to his knowledge, no such decrees had been issued by the Iranian government or the Supreme Leader.
Pezeshkian said that any statements made by Iranian ayatollahs were not directed at Trump personally but were instead a condemnation of insults to religion and religious figures. He said these should not be seen as threats against any individual.
The discussion with Carlson also touched upon accusations that Iran had backed assassination attempts against Trump, which Pezeshkian dismissed as misinformation propagated by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Pezeshkian addressed concerns about Iranian nationals in the U.S., refuting claims that they were sleeper cells acting on government orders. He stressed that Iranians are known for their peaceful nature and contributions to science and culture.
Pezeshkian’s remarks aim to counter narratives suggesting Iran’s hostility toward the United States and emphasize the nation’s preference for peace and stability in the region.
Last week, Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi issued a fatwa declaring that anyone who threatens Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei a “Muharib,” i.e., “an enemy of God” and his messengers, according to Iran’s state media. The fatwa specifically named U.S. President Donald J. Trump. Notably, a “Muharib” is subject to the death penalty.
Shirazi is a senior leader in Democratic New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani’s sect of Shia Islam. Iran’s Mehr News Agency reported that Shirazi, who helped to draft Iran’s constitution following the Islamic Revolution, called on Muslims worldwide “to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.” The 98-year-old cleric emphasized that supporting such “enemies” is considered “haram” (forbidden) under Islamic law.
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