Iranians Celebrate Diplomatic Victory

Local Editor

Drivers honked their horns and dozens of Iranians cheered in a main square and boulevard of the capital Tehran on Tuesday, welcoming their country's landmark nuclear deal with world powers.

The burst of celebrations underscored the hopes that many Iranians have pinned on the drawn-out talks.

"I'm very happy," gushed Azizieh Habibi,a 46-year-old housewife with two college-age children, who was among those celebrating on Tehran's Vali-e Asr Avenue. Some waved flags, some had painted their faces in the flag's red, white and green colors, chanting thanks to President Hassan Rouhani and his top negotiator, Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif.

"My children will have better future since there is no threat of sanctions and restrictions anymore," said Habibi.

Imam Khamenei met with Rouhani Tuesday night and expressed his "appreciation and thanks for the honest and diligent efforts" by the negotiating team, according to state TV.

Many were glued to television coverage of the deal's announcement, including President Barack Obama's address - only the second time Iranian state TV has aired him live. The first was his speech when an interim deal was reached earlier this year, paving the way for the new agreement.

At one Tehran electronics shop, men who had gathered around TV screens at the store clapped as Rouhani addressed the nation after Obama's appearance. Among them was shopkeeper Ali Hosseini, 29, who watched both leaders' speeches live.

"I am proud that my country has resolved this critical issue," he said.

In his address, Rouhani sought to sell the deal to the public, underlining that Iran's main goals were all achieved, particularly "continuing its nuclear activities, lifting sanctions," while acknowledging that concessions had to be made.

"Negotiation means give and take. We were not seeking charity, expecting someone to give us something free. We were after negotiations, a fair give and take," he said, vowing that the deal would bring "new hope and a better future for our youth."

Even before the deal was formally announced, the value of Iran's riyal rose against the dollar, a sign of optimism over an improved economy.

Pouya Alizadeh, a shop owner in northern Tehran, handed out free sweets to his customers to celebrate the agreement. He hailed Zarif as a hero for his role in sealing the deal.

"What's important for me is that it will bring improvement in business and trade with the outside world," he said.

"Iran defeated the world! We are the champions," cheered Ghasem Kashani, 19, a freshman in Tehran Azad University. "The West learned Iran is right in its position!"

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team