The distrust between the rulers and the ruled, combined with economic hardship, bodes ill for the parliamentary vote in February.

The shooting down of the flight, killing 176 people, has led to one of the greatest public challenges to Iran’s clerical rulers.

The admission has provoked international outrage and triggered internal protests.

The admission follows after Iran initially denied that it shot down the aircraft, killing all 176 passengers and crew.

Iran says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, such as power generation, and not to make bombs.

The call comes amidst American military build-up in the Gulf region.