ALBAWABA - A well-known Iranian politician caused a stir around the world when he openly called for the killing of former U.S. President Donald Trump, saying that it was both legal and religiously right to do so.
The offensive comments were made by Mohammad Javad Larijani, who is currently the head of the Institute for Research in Fundamental Sciences and used to be the top official in Iran's court. He said them at a mourning event in Tehran for the victims of a recent Israeli rocket strike. Larijani said that Trump is a "legitimate target" because of what he called "institutional terrorism" in the United States against Iran.
He backed up what he said with fatwas from more than 400 preachers that supposedly support the move. Later, in a TV interview, Larijani said it again: "Trump can't lie in the sun at Mar-a-Lago anymore..." It's that easy for a small drone to hit him.
People all over the world quickly criticized what he said, and Trump even responded with sarcasm: "I haven't been in the sun since I was seven." "I'm not sure if that was a threat."
The comments come at a time when emotions are high between Washington and Tehran. The Iran nuclear deal is still on hold, and battles in the region are getting worse. Analysts say that this kind of talk from high-level officials could lead to more open conflict between the two countries and hurt efforts to mediate diplomatically.
Larijani is known for being close to powerful people in Iran. He used to be Iran's spokesman in the court for human rights problems. His latest words show a big change toward stubborn resistance. Some experts see this as a sign that the Iranian government is under more and more pressure from within, and they see it as a move away from negotiation and toward conflict.
