Iran's ex-president Rouhani urges public say on ending war, prompting calls for arrest

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani urged the public to decide whether to end the ongoing war, expressing concern over hardliners who oppose concessions aimed at resolving the conflict. Speaking at a gathering of former provincial governors, Rouhani stated that the framework of national goals should be clear to the Iranian people before being presented to them.

He proposed that if the people accept the strategy of fighting the world's major powers for another 20 years, it should continue; otherwise, they should consider alternative paths. Rouhani called for an honorable end to the war in accordance with the will of the majority of the people. He also criticized Iran's state broadcasters, accusing them of becoming a center for division.

The remarks sparked backlash from hardliners, with some calling for investigations into Rouhani and accusing him of surrendering to the United States and Israel. The criticism intensified after Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei reportedly emphasized national unity. Some Iranian media reported calls for Rouhani's execution during pro-regime rallies, though evidence was not available.

Rouhani's comments followed former President Mohammad Khatami's support for an expired Iran-US agreement, highlighting the strategic implications of the conflict.