Zarif Apologizes for Comments on Late General Soleimani

The Foreign Minister of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Mohammad Javad Zarif, has issued an apology on his Instagram page for comments made regarding the late commander of the Revolutionary Guard's Quds Force, General Qasem Soleimani. In a recently leaked conversation, which the Iranian Foreign Ministry stated should not be publicized, Zarif criticized Soleimani, stating that the general frequently intervened in foreign policy matters. Furthermore, Zarif pointed out that Soleimani was opposed to the nuclear deal and had attempted to secretly undermine the improvement of relations between Iran and the West by collaborating with Russians.

In his Instagram message, Zarif expressed hope that 'Soleimani's family and the Iranian people will respond to these controversial comments with forgiveness.'

The publication of the recorded conversation has sparked a political scandal in Iran, where presidential elections are set for June. General Soleimani was killed in January 2020 near Baghdad International Airport by a missile fired from a U.S. drone. Since his death, Soleimani has been perceived by the public as a martyr and a hero in the struggle against hostile forces.