High Optimism in Iran as Negotiators Push for Final Deal

by Jasmin Ramsey

In the United States, the negotiations aimed at a final deal between world powers and Iran over its nuclear program—in a crucial phase this week—are far from the minds of average people. But for many Iranians, the talks hold the promise of a better future.

“I really hope for a fair agreement,” Ahoora Rostamian, a 30-year-old financial engineer living in the Iranian city of Isfahan, told IPS in a telephone interview.

“It is very important both economically and politically…(A)lmost all sectors of industry are affected by the sanctions, and only the people, not the government, are paying the price,” he said.

From the capital city of Tehran, Mohammad Shirkavand, who expects a final deal to be signed by the Nov. 24 deadline, said it would “alleviate tensions and allow Westerners to get to know the real Iran.”

“Iran has been developing even under a massive sanctions regime, but when there is a final nuclear deal, the situation will be much better,” said the medical engineer and tour guide.

“People are indeed very hopeful,” Adnan Tabatabai, a Berlin-based analyst who regularly travels to Iran, told IPS. “I have seen broad support and trust for [lead Iranian negotiator] Javad Zarif among the people…he may well be the most popular politician in Iran.”

Read the full report at IPS News.

Jasmin Ramsey

Jasmin Ramsey is a journalist based in Washington, DC.

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  1. Certainly hope this comes about. People to people, without the hardliners beating the hate drums, on both sides, really show the way. If only life was as uncomplicated, that governments did what was best for the people they are supposed to represent, a majority, not the minority who have vested interests in the game of “BOGYMAN”. Perhaps this idea is only an old mans pipe dream, but it makes more sense then blowing the other side to rubble.

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