Iranian cleric uses divorce analogy from Quran to justify US relations

Prominent Iranian cleric Mohsen Qara’ati offered an interpretation of a Quranic verse on divorce, applying it to the long-standing tensions between Iran and the United States and the possibility of a rapprochement.

In a recent address to a group of imams, Qara’ati, known for his accessible and often unconventional interpretations of religious texts, cited the verse "Al-Talaqu marratan" (Divorce is twice).

It refers to the Islamic practice of allowing two revocable divorce pronouncements before a final, irrevocable one, giving the couple a chance to reconcile. If the third declaration of divorce happens, it becomes irrevocable. He argued that this principle holds wisdom for international relations as well.

"The verse teaches us that even when ending a relationship or in conflict, one shouldn't destroy all bridges at once," he explained. "There should always be a path for return."

He pointed out that despite decades of strained relations and severed diplomatic ties, both Iran and the US maintain offices for the protection of their respective interests in each other's countries. "We've had a quarrel with America for 40-50 years," he noted, "yet both the Iranian interests section in the US and the American interests section in Iran remain open."

He implied that maintaining some level of communication, even through back channels, is crucial for keeping open the possibility of future reconciliation.

Earlier in the day, Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei defended the slogan ‘Death to America,” about a week after he tacitly gave the green light to possible talks with the US.

Infighting among rival factions in Tehran continues over potential US negotiations. Several key politicians who previously opposed talks with the US are now repositioning themselves.

Despite Khamenei hinting at a willingness to negotiate, his representatives across the country criticized the government's approach and voiced their opposition to talks with Washington.