Khatami Calls for National Referendum

In a bold challenge to Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, former president Mohammad Khatami today called for a national referendum on last month’s disputed presidential election. Khamenie has dismissed claims that the election was rigged.

The Islamic Republic constitution does allow national referendums on vital political issues.

“If the majority of people accept the situation, we also will accept it,” said Khatami, referring to a decision made through the national referendum.

Khatami also praised Ayatollah Rafsanjani’s Friday Prayer’s Sermon and said a referendum would help achieve Rafsanjani’s goal of restoring trust in the country.