That President Hassan Rouhani has staked his political fortunes on the nuclear talks is well-known in Iran. His optimism for a nuclear deal with the six world powers and the subsequent removal of international sanctions and end to Iran’s isolation is so high that he has even, somewhat controversially, linked the nuclear deal to solving Iran’s water crisis.

However, domestically, whether there is a comprehensive nuclear deal or not, Rouhani and his administration face challenges and expectations from various political factions.

In an op-ed in the Reformist Ebtekar newspaper, Foad Shams addressed some of the concerns and anxieties many have about the economy in what could be best summed up as a polite warning to Rouhani that time and excuses for not meeting the people’s expectations are running out.

Shams wrote that a nuclear deal that removes sanctions is close and “From now, we have to think about the day after the deal.” He continued, “In reality, Iran’s situation post-sanctions will be different from the present situation. As a result, in the new situation, a new approach has to be adopted.” Shams wrote that Rouhani, who came into office in June 2013 under a slogan of “hope and prudence,” has “unveiled the part of prudence in his foreign policy," and "Now is the time for hope domestically.”