United Against Nuclear Iran (UANI) has released a report calling for the U.S. government to impose sanctions on Iranian clerics and regime bodies. In this context, a fatwa has been issued, labeling individuals who oppose the regime as enemies of God—an interpretation that corresponds to severe penalties under Iran’s penal code. The report emphasizes the hidden nature of these individuals and groups, which are thought to pose a threat to the U.S. and its allies.
Notably, Iranian clerics have called for the execution of prominent figures, including former President Trump, illustrating the extent of these threats. One report mentions Salman Rushdie, whose life was nearly taken after being attacked by someone aligned with the Iranian regime, highlighting the real dangers posed by such fatwas.
UANI’s list points to 11 individuals and two associated entities that are not listed under U.S. counterterrorism laws. They argue that these individuals should be classified as specially designated global terrorists, as they engage in activities that support terrorism.
Among the individuals targeted is Ayatollah Nasar Makalem Shiraj, a notable cleric involved in Iran’s sugar trade. He has openly called for violence against both Trump and Israel’s Netanyahu. Another figure, Ayatollah Hossein Nouri Hadani, has also made threats over the years and issued fatwas against high-profile politicians, prompting concerns from UANI regarding the direct incitement of terrorism.
UANI’s policy director underscored that these assertions are not merely religious rhetoric; they constitute direct threats, demanding actions like sanctions and law enforcement responses.
Ayatollah Mohsen Araki has similarly issued alarming statements, declaring that the U.S. government is regarded as a hostile entity. He emphasized that Trump and Netanyahu’s safety is no longer guaranteed, which raises significant concerns about the ideological motives behind these threats.
Furthermore, UANI advocates for sanctions against Iran Broadcasting, the regime’s state-controlled media, which has aired programs that encourage violence, including bounties for Trump’s death. This is not just about rhetoric but reflects an increasing trend of inciting violence within a broader religious conflict. As human rights activists warn, the implications of these fatwas could lead to very real consequences.
