A famous Iranian actor has apologized to Iranians for posting a tweet in support of a ruling by the US Supreme Court legalizing same-sex marriage across the entirety of the United States.

In his tweet in Persian, Bahram Radan had hailed last week’s verdict on same-sex marriage across the US, saying, “…the ruling by the US Supreme Court that legalized same-sex marriage was a historic event, perhaps on the same scale of the end of slavery ... from [former US President Abraham] Lincoln to [President Barack] Obama."

However, the award-winning actor deleted his tweet after he was severely criticized by many Iranian people and media.

In an open letter, the 36-year-old actor clarified his position on the issue and said, “What was published on the internet as my opinion about the US Supreme Court’s ruling on gay marriage was a mistake and beneath the dignity of the Iranian people, for which I apologize."

“We’re living in a country which celebrates marriage as a tradition of the Prophet [Muhammad] and a commendable practice. American laws do not apply to the Islamic Republic,” Radan added.

He said gay marriage is reprehensible in Iran which as it runs counter to the country’s social norms and religious laws.

Tehran-based Kayhan newspaper on Thursday criticized Radan’s tweet in support of same-sex marriage.

On June 26, the Supreme Court declared same-sex marriage legal across the United States.

In a landmark ruling, the Supreme Court termed attempts by conservative states to ban gay marriage unconstitutional.