Iran’s EX-President Admits ‘Widespread Discontent’

Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami on the sidelines of an event before the 2009 presidential elections (archives - Parliament News)
Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami on the sidelines of an event before the 2009 presidential elections (archives - Parliament News)
TT

Iran’s EX-President Admits ‘Widespread Discontent’

Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami on the sidelines of an event before the 2009 presidential elections (archives - Parliament News)
Mir-Hossein Mousavi and Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami on the sidelines of an event before the 2009 presidential elections (archives - Parliament News)

Iran’s former reformist President Mohammad Khatami on Sunday admitted that reforms have reached a deadlock in his country and urged returning to the constitution of the “Islamic Republic.”

Khatami’s stance goes against his ally Mir-Hossein Mousavi, who has called for reforming the constitution and proposed an alternative to the current government.

As the 44th anniversary of the 1979 Islamic Revolution approaches, Khatami said that the Iranian society is beset by many troubles, but he called for a return to the constitution.

“Changing and amending the constitution is in order, but by returning to the spirit of the same constitution, many reforms can be made,” said Khatami according to Iranian media.

Unlike Khatami, Mousavi called for drafting a new constitution and submitting it to a popular referendum for a “free and fair” vote. Mousavi said that the aim of doing so is changing the power dynamics and the current formula of the country’s system of government.

“What is evident today is widespread discontent,” said Khatami, according to AFP.

Khatami said he hoped that the use of “non-violent civil methods” could “force the governing system to change its approach and accept reforms.”

The former president also implicitly referred to the widening gap between the establishment and the rest of the people, especially the protesters, the majority of whom are young people.

President from 1997 to 2005 before being forced into silence, Khatami said he regretted that Iran’s population was “disappointed with Reformism as well as with the ruling system.”

Khatami rejected demands to overthrow the regime and said: “In terms of the balance of power and the capabilities and strength of the state, it is not possible to overthrow (the regime).”

He warned that raising slogans for overthrowing the establishment will only lead to more restrictions and damages.

Khatami's statements came after Mousavi sharply criticized the ruling establishment and called for a new constitution and a popular referendum.



Trump Says Both Iran and Israel Violated a Ceasefire

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
TT

Trump Says Both Iran and Israel Violated a Ceasefire

President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)
President Donald Trump speaks with reporters before boarding Marine One on the South Lawn of the White House, Tuesday, June 24, 2025, on his way to The Hague, to join world leaders gathering in the Netherlands for a two-day NATO summit. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)

President Donald Trump says Israel and Iran violated ceasefire terms with attacks following an early Tuesday deadline to cease hostilities.

Trump in comments to reporters at the White House before departing for the NATO summit at The Hague expressed disappointment about the continued attacks.

“They violated it but Israel violated it too,” Trump said. He added, ”I’m not happy with Israel.”