Iran charges ex-official over US talks, nuclear program critique

Iran's judiciary has filed criminal charges against a former senior advisor to President Hassan Rouhani apparently for his criticism of the leadership's approach to US talks and Iran's nuclear program on social media.

Mizan news website, affiliated with Iran’s judiciary, confirmed the charges on Thursday but did not name Hessamoddin Ashna or specify the exact charges against the former head of aa Iranian think tank.

"Tehran Prosecutor’s Office has filed charges against the former head of the Strategic Studies Center during the 12th government (Hassan Rouhani's administration) for posting content on social media," Mizan reported.

On Tuesday, Ashna made a now deleted post on X: "Do not be Libya! Do not harbor the illusion of leading the Arab world and Islam. Do not unite your neighbors against you. Do not exaggerate outdated, imported nuclear technology... Do not ruin your people for the survival of your family. Do not trust the East or the West."