Tehran: Top Shiite cleric of Iran has issued a fatwa or religious decree against US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, calling them enemies of God.

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi’s decree called on Muslims across the world to unite and bring down the American and Israeli leaders for threatening the Islamic republic leadership. According to the Mehr news agency any person or regime that threatens the Leader or Marja (May God forbid) is considered a warlord or a mohareb Makarem.

A mohareb is someone who wages war against God, and under Iranian law, those identified as mohareb can face execution, crucifixion, limb amputation, or exile, according to the news agency.

The fatwa added that any cooperation or support for that enemy by Muslims or Islamic states is haram or forbidden. It is necessary for all Muslims around the world to make these enemies regret their words and mistakes.

The religious decree followed a 12-day war that erupted on June 13, when Israel launched a bombing campaign in Iran that killed top military commanders and scientists linked to its nuclear programme.