'Corruption on Earth': Iran indicts Trump over Khamenei killing, faces death penalty

Iran has issued a death penalty indictment against U.S. President Donald Trump, accusing him of "corruption on earth," murder, destruction, and terrorist acts in connection with the killing of former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The indictment marks one of Tehran's most significant legal actions to date in response to Khamenei's death earlier this year during the US-Israel conflict with Iran.

Tehran prosecutor Ali Salehi stated that indictments have been finalized in 140 cases related to the war. These include 74 cases involving the U.S. government and Trump, and 23 concerning Israel and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the IRGC-affiliated Fars News Agency. Under Iranian law, convictions for murder and "corruption on earth", a broad charge for serious offenses against the state or public order, can result in the death penalty.

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Iranian officials have consistently vowed to hold those responsible for Khamenei's death accountable, accusing Washington and Israel of playing a central role in the attack. The indictment comes as Trump has adopted a cautiously optimistic stance on potential diplomacy with Tehran, while simultaneously threatening renewed military action if talks fail. Trump recently indicated that "good talks" were underway and progress was being made, but warned of potential U.S. attacks on Iranian targets if an agreement was not reached.

While the legal action is largely symbolic given Iran's inability to enforce charges outside its territory against a sitting U.S. president, it underscores Tehran's effort to formally assign responsibility for Khamenei's death. This occurs as both the U.S. and Iran continue to explore the possibility of a diplomatic resolution to their ongoing tensions.

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