A number of Iranian MPs have challenged foreign minister Mohammad Javad Zarif for strolling with his U.S. counterpart in the streets of Geneva.

IRNA reports that 21 MPs have written to the minister asking for explanations for “two diplomatic errors”.

“Your symbolic stroll with the U.S. Secretary of State and your trip to France after the repeated effronteries of Charlie Hebdo against Muslim sanctities were not dignified for Iran’s foreign minister,” the MPs write.

On Wednesday January 14, one day before the new round of nuclear talks between Iran and the 5+1, Zarif met with John Kerry in Geneva. The meeting took hours, and photos of the two strolling in the streets of Geneva were published in the media.

The friendly symbolism of the walk has triggered serious criticism by Islamic Republic hardliners.

Following his walk with Kerry, Zarif reported that the talks remained “frank and serious” and that the stroll was aimed at reducing tension in the negotiations.

Zarif was in Parliament about 20 days ago to respond to questions from a number of MPs who were concerned he is “ignoring the Iranian people’s nuclear rights in the Geneva agreement”. His answers reportedly persuaded the MPs.

Radio Zamaneh