An influential ayatollah in Iran has said that threats to Supreme Leader Khamenei can be punishable by death, suggesting an indirect threat to Trump.

Ayatollah Nasser Makarem Shirazi has said that threats against Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei are considered serious and can carry the death penalty under Islamic law. Although he did not directly mention Donald Trump, his comments were in response to the indirect threats made by the US president. Shirazi emphasized that those who act against Muslim religious leaders are considered enemies of Allah and that it is the duty of the faithful to hold them accountable.