Iran: Hardline MP calls for arrest of ex-president, FM over push to end war

A hardline Iranian lawmaker has called for the arrest of former president Hassan Rouhani and former foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif after both publicly urged steps towards ending conflict, escalating an internal political dispute over war policy, state-aligned media reported.

Lawmaker Hamid Rasaei urged the judiciary to take action, describing the need for what he termed a “judicial shot” to detain the two figures over their recent remarks advocating de-escalation and a negotiated end to hostilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing Iranian media.   

Rouhani had said Iran should be prepared to conclude the war in a manner consistent with national interests, stressing coordination to safeguard key strategic assets, including Persian Gulf islands and maritime routes such as the Strait of Hormuz.

Zarif, writing in Foreign Affairs, argued that any settlement must extend beyond a temporary ceasefire and address the underlying causes of the conflict. He warned that a ceasefire alone would merely postpone renewed fighting.

In his proposal, Zarif suggested that Iran could continue limited uranium enrichment under full international oversight as part of a broader multilateral agreement, while committing not to develop nuclear weapons.

He also called for sanctions relief and a non-aggression pact with the United States.

By Aghakazim Guliyev