'If people want it, war must end': Ex-Iranian president Rouhani calls for referendum on ending conflict

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani has called for a public vote on whether to end the war, saying the conflict must be brought to a close if a majority of Iranians want it.

The Daily Telegraph reported that Rouhani, speaking at a recent event, said it was "above all important" to first clearly define the framework of national goals and present them to the people. "If the people accept it, we are willing to continue the war — but if they do not, is there any reason for us not to accept that?" he said.

The remarks were widely understood as an argument that the public should be asked whether the war should continue and that the will of the majority must be followed. Iranian media interpreted the statement as a call for a referendum.

"To repair the damage of war and give hope to youth and investors, we must end the war honorably, in accordance with the will of the majority," Rouhani said. He also criticized those pushing back against such a move, saying "the tiny minority now grabbing microphones and causing an uproar does not represent the sentiment of all of Iran."

Rouhani served as president from 2013 to 2021 and played a key role in securing the Iran nuclear deal, formally known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action. He is one of the leading figures of Iran's moderate pragmatist camp. When Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew from the nuclear agreement in 2018, Rouhani became a target of hardliners within Iran.

Iranian hardliners swiftly condemned the proposal. The hardline Fars News Agency called the remarks "dangerous and not to be overlooked," saying they did not stem from "simple ignorance" but that Rouhani "knows exactly what he is saying."

Under Iran's constitution, referendums on major legislation, matters of national importance and constitutional reform can be held with parliamentary approval and the supreme leader's approval. Two referendums were held in 1979 in the immediate aftermath of the Islamic Revolution to establish the Islamic Republic, and another was conducted in 1989 to amend the constitution, including adjustments to the supreme leader's authority.