Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for a public referendum to determine whether the country should end the ongoing conflict if a ceasefire agreement meets Iran’s demands, a stance that has drawn sharp criticism from hardliners within the regime. Rouhani made the remarks during a recent gathering of former provincial governors, urging that national goals be clearly defined and presented to the people for consideration.
Rouhani asserted that Iran should offer its citizens a choice: to continue fighting against global powers for another two decades or to seek alternative paths if the majority reject prolonged conflict. "We must, in accordance with the overwhelming majority of the people, end the war with honor so that we can rebuild the country and compensate for the damage done," he stated, emphasizing the importance of an honorable resolution endorsed by the public.
The former president further criticized Iran’s state media, describing them as vehicles that have become “a center for division,” implying their role in amplifying internal discord.
Analysts, including Ben Sabti of the Institute for National Security Studies, expressed skepticism regarding the likelihood of such a referendum occurring. Sabti noted that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), which currently wields substantial control over Iran’s governance, is unlikely to permit a public vote that could potentially undermine its authority. He also pointed out the persistent divide between Iranian politicians, who may favor negotiation, and the military establishment, which historically resists compromise.
Rouhani’s position sparked immediate backlash from hardline figures. Hossein Shariatmadari, editor-in-chief of the Kayhan newspaper, accused him of promoting surrender to the United States and Israel and called for judicial and security agencies to investigate him. The IRGC-aligned Tasnim News Agency echoed the criticism, accusing Rouhani of exacerbating societal polarization and undermining the nation’s unity, referencing recent calls from Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei for cohesion amid internal strife.
Some pro-regime demonstrations reportedly included demands for Rouhani’s execution, although independent verification of such calls remains unavailable.
The controversy follows closely on the heels of statements by former Iranian President Mohammad Khatami, who endorsed the now-expired Islamabad Memorandum of Understanding between Washington and Tehran, describing it as an exceptional diplomatic opportunity. Khatami warned that losing the agreement’s benefits would leave Iran facing significant challenges.
Sabti observed that hostility toward Rouhani and Khatami was longstanding, reflecting broader tensions between Iran’s political leadership and its military factions. He suggested that the prevailing power of the IRGC over political figures diminishes prospects for meaningful negotiations or peace agreements, indicating a continued impasse in the country’s approach to the conflict.