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Iranians jubilant as country wakes up to first day without sanctions Rouhani hails 'turning point' as Iran embraces post-sanctions era
(about 1 hour later)
Iranians have greeted with jubilation the end to a decade of financial stringency under sanctions after western officials formally lifted a complex network of punitive measure as the landmark nuclear deal was implemented. Iran’s president, Hassan Rouhani, has hailed a “golden page” in the country’s history and a “turning point” in its economy as Iranians enjoyed the first day without sanctions, with banks reconnected to the global banking systems.
The end of decade-long sanctions lifted the spirit of Iranians after western officials formally abolished a complex network of punitive measure as the landmark nuclear deal was implemented. The mood in Tehran was upbeat, with many people optimistic of the post-sanctions era, but there were no reports of street celebrations as witnessed last summer.
Related: Iran celebrates lifting of sanctions but many caveats remainRelated: Iran celebrates lifting of sanctions but many caveats remain
President Hassan Rouhani hailed a “golden page” in the country’s history and a “turning point” in its economy as he delivered his budget before the Iranian parliament on Sunday. Later, at a press conference with the international media, he said: “Today is a historic and exceptional day in the political and economical history of people of Iran.” On Sunday morning, Rouhani delivered his budget before the Iranian parliament before appearing at a press conference with international media, where he said: “Today is a historic and exceptional day in the political and economic history of the people of Iran.”
The moderate cleric said he had fulfilled his main election promise that “centrifuges will turn and so will the wheels of people’s livelihoods”. “After 12 years of patience and resistence ... we have reached a turning point,” he said. The moderate cleric said he had fulfilled his main election promise that “centrifuges will turn and so will the wheels of people’s livelihoods”. “After 12 years of patience and resistance ... we have reached a turning point,” he said.
“From today, merchants and entrepreneurs in our country can benefit from normal ways of banking transactions to start their exports ... from today, our banks are reconnected to the world’s banking system ... from today, the restrictions on our oil exports are lifted ... from today, our companies can buy modern passenger planes, ensuring the safety of our people on air,” he said. “From today, merchants and entrepreneurs in our country can benefit from normal ways of banking transactions to start their exports ... from today, our banks are reconnected to the world’s banking system ... from today, the restrictions on our oil exports are lifted ... from today, our companies can buy modern passenger planes, ensuring the safety of our people in the air.
“Today is the day of victory. It’s now made clear that our great power is power of diplomacy, something that many in the region and the world did not want to believe,” he added. “A new chapter has begun in our relations with the countries in the region and the broader world.” Among the audience at the press conference were the wives of Iran’s nuclear scientists assassinated under mysterious circumstances in the course of past five years. “Today is the day of victory. It’s now made clear that our great power is power of diplomacy, something that many in the region and the world did not want to believe. A new chapter has begun in our relations with the countries in the region and the broader world.”
In the audience were the wives of the Iranian nuclear scientists who were assassinated under mysterious circumstances in the past five years.
Sanctions were lifted on Saturday after confirmation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Tehran had complied with the nuclear deal. It came after an extraordinary day during which four dual nationals, including the Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, were released in a prisoner swap with the US. All nuclear-related sanctions imposed by the US, the EU and the UN were lifted, including an embargo on imports of Iranian oil, but other sanctions related to human rights and terrorism remained in place.Sanctions were lifted on Saturday after confirmation from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) that Tehran had complied with the nuclear deal. It came after an extraordinary day during which four dual nationals, including the Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian, were released in a prisoner swap with the US. All nuclear-related sanctions imposed by the US, the EU and the UN were lifted, including an embargo on imports of Iranian oil, but other sanctions related to human rights and terrorism remained in place.
Iranians reacted by congratulating each other on social networks including Facebook and Telegram, but there were no reports of street celebrations previously seen in July after the announcement of the nuclear deal. The mood is upbeat but many remain cautious. Related: Saudi Arabia and Iran need each other
The Tehran stock exchange performed strongly and the end to sanctions dominated Sunday’s front pages in Tehran. “Sanctions are gone,” proclaimed the headline of the reformist Aftab-e-Yazd. “The morning without sanctions,” said Etemaad, while the front-page of the state-run Iran newspaper read: “Sanctions dissolved.” Iranians reacted by congratulating each other on social networks including Facebook and Telegram, but they were subdued in comparison to street jubilations seen last July after the announcement of the landmark nuclear deal. Many remained cautious, aware of the challenges ahead.
Earlier in the day, Rouhani was at the Iranian parliament, Majlis, promising internal development and more stability in the region. “We should use this opportunity for the country’s growth and development and people’s welfare, as well as the security and stability of the region,” Rouhani told Iranian parliamentarians. “This would not possible unless we all unite with each other.” The Tehran stock exchange performed strongly and the end to sanctions dominated Sunday’s front pages in Tehran. “Sanctions are gone,” proclaimed the headline of the reformist Aftab-e-Yazd. “The morning without sanctions,” said Etemaad, while the front page of the state-run Iran newspaper read: “Sanctions dissolved.”
“Everybody is happy about the nuclear deal, except for Zionists, those who are seeking division in the Muslim world, and a small extremist group in US”, he added, referring to the Israeli government and Republicans in the US Congress who have opposed the nuclear accord signed last July. Earlier in the day, Rouhani was at the Iranian parliament, Majlis, promising internal development and more stability in the region. “We should use this opportunity for the country’s growth and development and people’s welfare, as well as the security and stability of the region,” Rouhani told Iranian parliamentarians. “This would not be possible unless we all unite with each other.”
“Everybody is happy about the nuclear deal, except for Zionists, those who are seeking division in the Muslim world, and a small extremist group in the US,” he added, referring to the Israeli government and Republicans in the US Congress who have opposed the nuclear accord signed last July.
The declaration of “implementation day” met with a warm response internationally, including by the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, and the UK foreign secretary, Philip Hammond.The declaration of “implementation day” met with a warm response internationally, including by the UN secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, and the UK foreign secretary, Philip Hammond.
In the US, Hillary Clinton welcomed the release of American prisoners from Iran and said the world was a safer place as a result of the nuclear agreement, but she urged further sanctions to be imposed on Tehran because of its ballistic missile programme.
“I am greatly relieved by the safe return of American prisoners from Iran,” the frontrunner for the Democratic presidential nomination said in a statement late on Saturday. “These prisoners were held unjustly by a regime that continues to threaten the peace and security of the Middle East ... Another American, Bob Levinson, still isn’t home with his family.” The fate of Levinson, a former FBI agent who went missing in Iran, remains unclear.
Related: Obama administration defends Iran deals on prisoners and sanctionsRelated: Obama administration defends Iran deals on prisoners and sanctions
In the US, Hillary Clinton welcomed the release of American prisoners from Iran and said the world was a safer place as a result of the nuclear agreement, but urged further sanctions to be imposed on Tehran because of its ballistic missile programme.
“I am greatly relieved by the safe return of American prisoners from Iran,” the Democrat presidential frontrunner said in a statement late on Saturday. “These prisoners were held unjustly by a regime that continues to threaten the peace and security of the Middle East ... Another American, Bob Levinson, still isn’t home with his family.” The fate of Levinson, a former FBI agent who went missing in Iran, remains unclear.
Rezaian was reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency to have departed the country alongside his wife, Yeganeh Salehi. This was confirmed in the US by a senior administration official who said: “We can confirm that our detained US citizens have been released and that those who wished to depart Iran have left.”Rezaian was reported by the semi-official Tasnim news agency to have departed the country alongside his wife, Yeganeh Salehi. This was confirmed in the US by a senior administration official who said: “We can confirm that our detained US citizens have been released and that those who wished to depart Iran have left.”
Rezaian’s brother, Ali, said he was “incredibly relieved” that the reporter was on his way home. “After nearly a year and a half of arbitrary delays, and an unfair, opaque judicial process, Jason’s release has brought indescribable relief and joy to our family – this nightmare is approaching an end,” he said in a statement.Rezaian’s brother, Ali, said he was “incredibly relieved” that the reporter was on his way home. “After nearly a year and a half of arbitrary delays, and an unfair, opaque judicial process, Jason’s release has brought indescribable relief and joy to our family – this nightmare is approaching an end,” he said in a statement.
The four Iranian-Americans were released in exchange for the freedom of seven Iranians held in the US on charges of violating sanctions regulations, including Nima Golestaneh, who has been identified as an Iranian hacker. The names of 14 other Iranians were also removed from Interpol’s red notice.The four Iranian-Americans were released in exchange for the freedom of seven Iranians held in the US on charges of violating sanctions regulations, including Nima Golestaneh, who has been identified as an Iranian hacker. The names of 14 other Iranians were also removed from Interpol’s red notice.
Clinton said Iran had dismantled centrifuges, disabled a reactor and shipped out almost all of its enriched uranium, which she said were important steps “that make the United States, our allies, and the entire world safer”. But she added: “Iran is still violating UN security council resolutions with its ballistic missile programme, which should be met with new sanctions designations and firm resolve.”Clinton said Iran had dismantled centrifuges, disabled a reactor and shipped out almost all of its enriched uranium, which she said were important steps “that make the United States, our allies, and the entire world safer”. But she added: “Iran is still violating UN security council resolutions with its ballistic missile programme, which should be met with new sanctions designations and firm resolve.”
Shane Bauer, an American hiker who was jailed in Iran in 2009 along with two other US nationals after crossing into the country and held for two years, criticised Clinton for calling for further sanctions at the time Iran was rejoicing at sanctions relief: Shane Bauer, an American hiker who was jailed in Iran in 2009 along with two other US nationals after crossing into the country and held for two years, criticised Clinton for calling for further sanctions when Iran was rejoicing at sanctions relief:
When I was in prison in Iran, whenever I heard Hillary's voice, my heart would sink. All she ever does with Iran is inflame tensions.When I was in prison in Iran, whenever I heard Hillary's voice, my heart would sink. All she ever does with Iran is inflame tensions.
Seriously, why would Hillary call for more sanctions *now*? As far as we know, 4 of the Americans are still in Iran. Totally irresponsible.Seriously, why would Hillary call for more sanctions *now*? As far as we know, 4 of the Americans are still in Iran. Totally irresponsible.
In Tehran, many people stayed up late on Saturday to hear the confirmation of the lifting of sanctions. “Last night, the people of the Islamic [Republic] of Iran went to sleep with a peaceful mind to wake up for the horizon of a day without sanctions,” Etemaad’s editor, Javad Daliri, wrote in an editorial column. “Yes, at 1am, the wall of sanctions finally collapsed.” In Tehran, many people stayed up late on Saturday to hear the confirmation of the lifting of sanctions. “Last night, the people of the Islamic [Republic] of Iran went to sleep with a peaceful mind to wake up for the horizon of a day without sanctions,” Etemaad’s editor, Javad Daliri, wrote in an editorial. “Yes, at 1am, the wall of sanctions finally collapsed.”
Others, including Fereydoun Majlesi of the Vaghaye-Etefaghieh, struck a cautious note, saying the situation would not improve overnight. “This is a huge development but not a miracle,” he wrote. “We shouldn’t have over-expectations.” Others, including Fereydoun Majlesi, of the Vaghaye-Etefaghieh, struck a cautious note, saying the situation would not improve overnight. “This is a huge development but not a miracle,” he wrote. “We shouldn’t have overexpectations.”
Many people shared their thoughts online. Citing years of financial difficulties due to sanctions, a 30-year-old said on Facebook: “Maybe dollar will get cheaper, maybe petrol too, but I won’t become 25-year-old again. The real hero is me, who has paid the cost with my youthhood.” Many people shared their thoughts online. Citing years of financial difficulties due to sanctions, a 30-year-old said on Facebook: “Maybe dollar will get cheaper, maybe petrol too, but I won’t become 25-year-old again. The real hero is me, who has paid the cost with my youth.”
As sanctions are lifted, Iran is reconnected to the global economy, with banks re-establishing connections with the European financial system via Swift, which facilitates international transactions. Western firms are now free to pursue business opportunities with Iran but US companies are still hampered by other sanctions that are still in force. As sanctions are lifted, Iran is reconnected to the global economy, with banks re-establishing links to the European financial system via Swift, which facilitates international transactions. Western firms are now free to pursue business opportunities with Iran but US companies are still hampered by other sanctions that are still in force.
Related: Saudi Arabia and Iran need each other Related: Oil price woes deepen as Iran vows to add 500,000 barrels a day
More than $30bn (£21bn) of Iran’s estimated $100bn in frozen assets were expected to be made available to Tehran immediately and Iran was due to increase its crude exports by more than 500,000 barrels a day, which will have an impact on a global oil market already in turmoil because of oversupply.More than $30bn (£21bn) of Iran’s estimated $100bn in frozen assets were expected to be made available to Tehran immediately and Iran was due to increase its crude exports by more than 500,000 barrels a day, which will have an impact on a global oil market already in turmoil because of oversupply.
On Sunday, stock markets in Saudi Arabia, Tehran’s regional rival, and the UAE fell in expectation of Iran increasing its crude exports. Tensions between Tehran and Riyadh have risen recently since the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia cleric that led to the storming of the Saudi embassy in Iran. On Sunday, Rouhani used strong language to condemn Saudi policies in the region.On Sunday, stock markets in Saudi Arabia, Tehran’s regional rival, and the UAE fell in expectation of Iran increasing its crude exports. Tensions between Tehran and Riyadh have risen recently since the Saudi execution of a prominent Shia cleric that led to the storming of the Saudi embassy in Iran. On Sunday, Rouhani used strong language to condemn Saudi policies in the region.
“Today, a Saudi official expressed sadness over the implementation of the nuclear deal. That is not how a neighbour should behave,” the Iranian president said. “Saudi Arabia mistreats the people of the region. Why should they bombard their Muslim neighbour, killing its poor people? Why should they execute a religious scholar who was respected by a faction of Saudi population? Saudi Arabia has taken to a wrong path.” “Today, a Saudi official expressed sadness over the implementation of the nuclear deal. That is not how a neighbour should behave,” the Iranian president said. “Saudi Arabia mistreats the people of the region. Why should they bombard their Muslim neighbour, killing its poor people? Why should they execute a religious scholar who was respected by a faction of the Saudi population? Saudi Arabia has taken to a wrong path.”
It was announced on Saturday that Iran was buying as many as 114 new passenger planes from Airbus, renewing its ageing fleet in the near future. It was announced on Saturday that Iran was buying as many as 114 passenger planes from Airbus, renewing its ageing fleet in the near future.