Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh): Prominent Shia cleric Maulana Syed Kalbe Jawad has issued a strong statement following the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei in joint U.S. and Israeli strikes, saying that U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “have signed their own death warrants.”

Addressing reporters, Kalbe Jawad condemned the reported attack and described it as an act against leadership he believes supported oppressed communities.

“These are all cowards who martyred a leader who always helped the oppressed,” he said. “Trump and Netanyahu have signed their own death warrants. Allah will punish them.”

The cleric declared three days of mourning, urging members of the community to close their shops and businesses as a sign of solidarity.

However, he emphasised that participation should remain voluntary and that no one should be pressured.

“We have announced three days of mourning, and people should close their shops and businesses, but we should not pressure anyone,” he said, calling the situation a “great loss to humanity.”

As part of the observance, Kalbe Jawad announced a candlelight march at 8 pm, describing it as a peaceful demonstration of grief.

The statement comes amid heightened global tensions following reports of large-scale U.S.–Israeli strikes targeting Iranian military and governmental sites.

The developments follow reports of coordinated air operations that have significantly increased instability in the Middle East. Iran has warned of retaliatory measures, raising fears of further regional escalation.