Iran's Assembly of Experts, a body of 88 senior clerics constitutionally tasked with choosing and supervising the nation's supreme leader, has issued a statement calling for the assassination of U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The clerics declared both leaders "mahdour al-dam," a term meaning deserving of death.
The 10-point statement asserted that killing "the wicked prime minister of the Zionist regime" and "the criminal American president" is a religious duty that must be carried out "under any circumstances." The clerics framed the call for assassinations as paramount to avenging the death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.
"It is obligatory upon any duty-bound person who gains access to these criminals to send them to hell," the statement read. Concurrently, the Iranian newspaper Hamshahri featured a front-page story depicting Trump's face in the crosshairs of a rifle scope with the headline "Revenge is certain."
The clerics also expressed suspicion regarding ongoing cease-fire negotiations aimed at ending the war that began on Feb. 28. They characterized the negotiations as a potential delay tactic by the U.S. to prepare for further attacks. The statement warned that the likelihood of renewed hostilities after the current period is "very high" and that issues outlined in the memorandum of understanding must be resolved within the specified 30-day and 60-day deadlines.
Furthermore, the clerics urged supporters of the Iranian regime to take to the streets, emphasizing that "the people's presence is necessary and decisive."