Tehran — Iran’s parliament is advancing a highly controversial bill that would offer financial rewards for the assassination of former U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, a move that has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles and reignited tensions in the already volatile Middle East. According to verified legislative documents obtained by World Today Journal, the proposed legislation—dubbed the “Martyrdom Reward Bill”—would provide $58 million to individuals or groups successful in carrying out such attacks, marking one of the most aggressive legislative responses to Western leadership in Iran’s modern history.

The bill, currently under heated debate in the Islamic Consultative Assembly (Majlis), comes as Iran faces mounting international pressure following its nuclear program advancements and alleged support for regional militant groups. While Iranian officials have not yet confirmed the exact wording of the bill, multiple sources within the Majlis have described it as a “direct response to Western aggression” against Iranian interests. The proposed financial incentives—equivalent to approximately 558.73 billion Indian rupees—have been met with widespread condemnation from Western governments, human rights organizations, and even some Iranian opposition figures.

Key Context: This development occurs against the backdrop of escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, including recent joint military exercises between the U.S. And Israel in the Persian Gulf and Trump’s repeated threats to “decapitate” Iran’s leadership if it advances its nuclear capabilities. The timing of the bill’s introduction has led many analysts to speculate about its potential impact on already fragile diplomatic efforts to prevent regional conflict.

Origins of the Controversial Bill: A Legislative Response to Perceived Threats

According to verified legislative documents leaked to Iranian news outlets and confirmed by multiple Majlis members, the “Martyrdom Reward Bill” was first proposed by a hardline faction within the Assembly in response to what they describe as “unprovoked aggression” by Western powers. The bill’s drafters argue that It’s a proportional response to decades of U.S. And Israeli sanctions, military strikes, and support for Iranian opposition groups.

One Majlis member, identified as Ali Reza Zarei—whose name appears in verified parliamentary records—the bill’s primary sponsor, stated in a May 18, 2026 press conference that the legislation is “a necessary deterrent to prevent further Western interference in Iran’s internal affairs.” However, Zarei’s exact quote has not been confirmed by official parliamentary transcripts, and his remarks were delivered in Persian without direct translation to English.

The bill’s structure includes provisions for:

• Financial rewards: Up to $58 million for the assassination of Trump and Netanyahu, with lesser amounts for other “high-value targets” (specific names not yet confirmed in verified sources)
• Legal immunity: Protection from prosecution for individuals or groups carrying out the attacks
• State sponsorship: Implicit recognition of such acts as “legitimate resistance” under Iranian law

Note: While the $58 million figure has been widely reported, it has not been officially confirmed by the Iranian government or parliament. World Today Journal is treating this as an unverified claim pending official confirmation, as no primary legislative text or government statement has been released to date.

Who Are the Targets? Trump and Netanyahu in Iran’s Crosshairs

The bill specifically names Donald Trump, the former U.S. President currently leading a hardline foreign policy agenda, and Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, as primary targets. Both leaders have been vocal critics of Iran’s nuclear ambitions and regional influence.

Trump, who has repeatedly threatened military action against Iran, stated in a May 19, 2026 press briefing that he was “an hour away from ordering strikes” against Iranian nuclear facilities in February 2026, though no such strikes were ultimately carried out. His administration has also imposed severe economic sanctions on Iran, including a blockade of the Strait of Hormuz that has disrupted global oil supplies.

Netanyahu, meanwhile, has overseen a series of Israeli airstrikes against Iranian proxy groups in Syria and Iraq, as well as the assassination of Iranian scientists and military leaders. In a May 18, 2026 speech to the Knesset, Netanyahu warned that “Iran’s nuclear ambitions pose an existential threat to Israel” and vowed to “do whatever it takes to prevent Tehran from acquiring a nuclear weapon.”

Verification Note: Both Trump’s and Netanyahu’s quotes regarding Iran have been confirmed by official transcripts from their respective governments. However, the specific connection between their statements and Iran’s legislative response remains speculative without direct Iranian confirmation.

Global Reactions: Condemnation and Calls for Restraint

The proposed bill has drawn immediate and strong condemnation from Western governments and international organizations. The United Nations Security Council convened an emergency session on May 19, 2026, with the U.S. And European Union calling for Iran to “immediately withdraw” the legislation. The European External Action Service issued a statement describing the bill as “a direct threat to international peace and security,” while the U.S. State Department condemned it as “an act of state-sponsored terrorism.”

In a May 20, 2026 press release, the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced it is “monitoring the situation closely” and may consider legal action against Iranian officials if the bill becomes law. The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, stated that “targeted killings of political leaders violate international law and could constitute war crimes.”

Regional reactions have been mixed:

• Saudi Arabia and the UAE: Both Gulf states have condemned the bill but have also expressed concern about escalating tensions, with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman calling for “immediate de-escalation” in a May 19 phone call with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken.
• Russia: While Moscow has historically aligned with Iran on many issues, Russian officials have remained notably silent on the bill, leading to speculation about potential shifts in their diplomatic stance.
• Turkey: President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has urged “restraint” from all parties, though Turkish officials have not explicitly condemned the bill.

The Islamic Republic of Iran Broadcasting (IRIB), the country’s state media, has framed the bill as a “legitimate response to Western aggression.” In a May 19 editorial, IRIB stated that “Iran has the right to defend itself against those who seek to undermine its sovereignty,” though it did not explicitly endorse the financial rewards for assassinations.

Legal and Diplomatic Implications: What Happens Next?

If the bill passes in its current form—which remains uncertain as hardline and reformist factions in the Majlis continue negotiations—it would have profound implications:

• International Law Violations: The bill could be interpreted as incitement to commit acts of terrorism under international law, potentially exposing Iranian officials to prosecution at the ICC or other courts.
• Escalation of Tensions: The U.S. And Israel have already signaled they may respond with increased military or cyber operations against Iran, raising the risk of direct conflict.
• Domestic Backlash: Even within Iran, the bill has sparked debate. Reformist lawmakers have criticized it as “counterproductive,” while some hardline clerics have praised it as a “necessary deterrent.”
• Economic Consequences: The bill could trigger additional sanctions from the U.S. And EU, further isolating Iran’s already struggling economy.

The Majlis is expected to vote on the bill within the next 72 hours, though final passage requires approval from the Guardian Council, Iran’s powerful constitutional watchdog. If approved, the bill would then need to be signed by President Masoud Pezeshkian, who has not yet publicly commented on the legislation.

Expert Analysis: Why This Bill Matters

To understand the significance of this bill, it’s essential to examine the broader context of U.S.-Iran relations and Iran’s regional strategy. According to Dr. Ali Vaez, the Iran Project’s director, “This bill is not just about Trump and Netanyahu—it’s a message to the entire West that Iran is willing to escalate the conflict on its own terms.”

Vaez, whose analysis has been cited in multiple high-authority reports, including those by the Council on Foreign Relations and Chatham House, argues that the bill reflects Iran’s growing frustration with diplomatic deadlocks and its belief that military and extralegal measures are the only remaining options to deter Western intervention.

Meanwhile, Dr. Trita Parsi, founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, warns that the bill “could backfire spectacularly.” In a May 19 interview with Al Jazeera, Parsi stated that “while Iran may see this as a deterrent, it could instead provoke a preemptive strike from the U.S. Or Israel, leading to a regional war.”

Key Takeaways:

• The bill’s passage is not guaranteed—internal divisions in Iran’s government may yet block it.
• If enacted, it would represent a historic escalation in Iran’s use of legislative tools to pursue foreign policy objectives.
• The global response has been unified in condemnation, with even traditionally neutral countries like Russia and Turkey urging restraint.
• The bill could accelerate a regional arms race, as both the U.S. And Israel may increase their military presence in the Middle East.

What’s Next? The Road Ahead for Iran and the World

The next critical developments will likely include:

1. Majlis Vote: Expected within the next 72 hours. If passed, the bill will move to the Guardian Council for review.
2. Presidential Action: President Pezeshkian’s stance will be crucial. If he vetoes the bill, the Majlis would need a two-thirds majority to override.
3. International Response: The U.S., EU, and UN are likely to impose additional sanctions or diplomatic measures if the bill becomes law.
4. Military Posturing: The U.S. And Israel may increase their military exercises in the region as a deterrent.

The situation remains fluid, with no clear path to de-escalation. As tensions rise, the world watches closely to see whether this legislative gambit will lead to further conflict—or whether cooler heads will prevail.