TEHRAN — In a striking escalation of Iran's religious-political messaging, two of the country's most senior Shiite clerics issued fatwas this week effectively calling for the death of anyone who threatens Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei — including US President Donald Trump. 

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi published his religious ruling declaring that any threat against Khamenei constitutes moharebeh, or waging war on God. The charge is punishable by death under Iran's Islamic penal code.

The decree was posted on the ayatollah's official website in response to questions about what obligations Muslims have in light of threats made by US and Israeli leaders against Iran's supreme leader.

"Any individual or state that threatens the [Iranian] leadership … or attacks it in order to harm the Islamic community and its sovereignty is considered a mohareb," Makarem Shirazi wrote. The cleric also urged action. "It is incumbent upon all Muslims worldwide to make these enemies regret their words." He noted that Muslims who respond to the fatwa will have the reward of "a fighter in the cause of God," a title Shiite clerics believe grants eternal life in heaven.