Former Iranian President Says Reducing Tensions with US is ‘Necessary’

Former Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Wednesday called for fundamental changes to the country’s domestic and foreign policies, warning that the government faces “new crises” without extensive reforms.

Rouhani said reducing tensions, even with the United States, is “necessary and essential” if it serves the interests of the Iranian people.

He added that the Islamic Republic must make serious efforts to improve its relations with the world.

Rouhani described the path to saving the Islamic Republic as “entrusting government to the people.”

He called for the formation of a completely independent judiciary, the establishment of strong political parties, and reforms to the Guardian Council’s supervisory approval process.

The former president also urged an end to the state broadcasting monopoly and the introduction of private television networks so that “people’s voices can be heard through diverse channels.”

Rouhani proposed transforming the country’s intelligence apparatus into a “people-based” system and called for the armed forces to withdraw from political and economic affairs.

He said a national strategy must be formulated based on the people’s will, warning that continuing the current path would lead the country into deeper crises.

Rouhani served as Iran’s president from 2013 to 2021 and was regarded as a moderate who pursued diplomatic engagement with the West, including the 2015 nuclear deal.