An influential Iranian cleric, Ayatollah Ahmad Khatami, has publicly called for the execution of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, citing Sharia law as the basis for his demand. This statement was made during a sermon on Friday, where Khatami accused the two leaders of being responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands in Gaza and the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, the commander of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps’ Quds Force. The remarks were translated and broadcast by Memri TV.

Khatami’s fiery rhetoric was met with chants from the crowd, echoing sentiments of “Death to America,” “Death to England,” and “Death to Israel.” These declarations come amidst heightened tensions between Iran and Israel, which recently culminated in a 12-day conflict. The ongoing hostilities involve Israel and Hamas, a Gaza-based group supported by Iran, which initiated attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023.

The strained relations between Iran and the United States have further deteriorated following a surprise U.S. strike on three key Iranian nuclear sites last month. In response to these developments, former President Trump expressed his desire for a swift resolution to the Gaza conflict. He also issued a provocative statement targeting Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, asserting that the U.S. was aware of Khamenei’s location but had no immediate plans to target him.

Iranian officials have responded with strong rhetoric against Trump, urging him to show respect towards Khamenei or face potential retaliation from Iran’s “real capabilities.” This exchange underscores the ongoing volatility in U.S.-Iran relations and highlights the broader geopolitical tensions in the region.

The situation remains fluid as both sides continue to engage in a war of words, with potential implications for regional stability and international diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating conflicts in the Middle East.