Iranian President Pezeshkian Denies Official Fatwa Against Donald Trump in Carlson Interview

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian recently denied the existence of an official fatwa, or religious decree, issued by the Iranian government or Supreme Leader specifically targeting former U.S. President Donald Trump. Speaking in a widely anticipated interview with conservative commentator Tucker Carlson, Pezeshkian clarified that any such decree was likely a misinterpretation, intended as a condemnation of insults to religious figures rather than a call for harm against any individual.

The interview, which aired recently, saw Pezeshkian address a range of geopolitical issues, including the long-standing allegations of a fatwa against Trump. "To the best of my knowledge, no decree or fatwa was issued against anyone or against Donald Trump," Pezeshkian stated, adding, "This has nothing to do with the Iranian government or with the honorable Supreme Leader." He further explained that the fatwa was "in fact meant as a condemnation of insults to religion or religious figures."

This clarification comes amidst previous reports from various outlets, including Newsweek and Iran International, which cited senior Iranian clerics issuing fatwas against figures like Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, often framing threats to Iran's Supreme Leader as an act against God. These reports have fueled international discussion and concern regarding Iran's stance on former U.S. officials.

Pezeshkian's remarks aim to distance the Iranian state from such interpretations, suggesting that any perceived fatwa against Trump was a localized or individual clerical opinion, not reflective of official policy. The Iranian President also used the platform to discuss Iran's nuclear program, denying intentions to develop nuclear weapons and reiterating that such development is "religiously forbidden" by Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei's fatwa.

The interview also touched on accusations of Israeli assassination attempts against Pezeshkian and the broader US-Iran relationship. The Iranian leader emphasized a desire for peace and stability in the region, while also accusing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of sabotaging diplomatic efforts and promoting a "false mentality" about Iran's nuclear ambitions.