Qom, Iran - An influential Iranian cleric issued a religious statement pointing out that US President Donald Trump's threats against Iranian leader Ali Khamenei are considered a curse and a sin, punishable by death under Islam.

Nearly two weeks ago, Trump had indirectly threatened Khamenei, saying he was an easy target. "We are not going to take him out (kill!), at least not for now."

Grand Ayatollah Naser Makarem Shirazi, a cleric from Qom, south of the capital Tehran, did not mention Trump by name but stated in a religious declaration that threats against Khamenei or other religious leaders are considered so grievous they are punishable by death under Islam, the state news agency Irna reported.

Makarem Shirazi, who is a high-ranking religious leader but does not hold a government position, was responding to a question from a believer about Trump.

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"Individuals or regimes that attack an Islamic government or threaten or act against its religious leaders are considered 'Mohareb'" – which means enemies of God or warriors against God.

This means, he said, that it is the duty of Muslims to hold these enemies accountable. Ayatollah is the religious title of an Islamic legal scholar.

Trump has repeatedly threatened Iran with death and destruction, while ordering unprecedented US airstrikes on nuclear facilities as part of Israel's war of aggression on Tehran.