TEHRAN, Iran — Many Iranians have had a positive reaction to the nuclear agreement between Iran and the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council plus Germany, the P5+1. The morning after the six-month interim deal was announced, many Iranians seemed happy and greeted neighbors with smiles. After eight years of a hard-line president in Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and increasing tensions with the West over Iran’s nuclear program that constantly brought threats of military action against Iran, Iranians seem both jubilant and relieved. However, when talking to them, many of their day-to-day problems still persist and there are many reasons for them to feel that their happiness may be short-lived. That’s why many Iranians hope that the nuclear deal will be the first part of many more deals and better relations with the West.

“They did the right thing. They should have done this a long time ago instead of waiting and allowing people to suffer poverty and hunger, “ said a construction worker on Karim Khan Street, who spoke to me only after some persistence. “But still, I thank God that they finally did it. It is never too late. Prices will drop, I guarantee it; it will take four or five months but it will happen.” 

The concern about the economy was many people’s concern in regard to the nuclear deal. In addition to the billions that will be unblocked, there will be temporary sanctions relief. This is a big deal given the severity of Iran’s economic issues as discussed by the administration officials who say that Iran currently has an “empty treasury.” Upon news of the agreement, Iran’s struggling currency gained 3%. 

On Haft-e-Tir Street, a jeweler told Al-Monitor that the recent agreement is yet to influence the gold market but that he was hopeful the nuclear agreement would end Iran’s isolation. “The important thing is for Iran to restart its diplomatic relations with the United States. Of course, it is not for Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif to decide; more important people need to agree. But they should continue the process.”