Most Iranians hold high expectations of the effects of a nuclear agreement, research states. The deadline for a nuclear deal between Iran and its six negotiators (US, UK, France, Germany, Russia and China) has been extended on Tuesday. Originally, the talks were to be concluded on 30 June 2015. Iranians believe that within one year after the deal their living standards will improve.
The majority of the Iranians is in favour of a nuclear deal, says a study of the University of Tehran, Center for Public Opinion Research and IranPoll, an independent research institute in Canadian Toronto. During the study around 1000 Iranians were interviewed. The research shows that most Iranians assume that with a nuclear agreement all sanctions will be lifted.
The effects of such a nuclear deal will be very positive, a majority of the Iranians expects. Most of them think that within a year there will be better access to foreign medicines and medical equipment. The study also shows that they expect more foreign investment and a higher living standard. The majority of the Iranians hold a negative view on the impact of the current sanctions on Iran’s economy and the lives of the citizens. However, these effects are believed to have lesser effect on the Iranian economy than domestic mismanagement and corruption, the research states.
The non-profit organisation the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran (ICHRI) conducted a study in Iran among members of the civil society. The organisation held interviews with 28 Iranians who hold an influential position in the society, ranging from actors and journalists to activist and family members of political prisoners. All the respondents mentioned to be in favour of a nuclear agreement. “They want peace and re-engagement with the world,” said the director Hadi Ghaemi.
Of the respondents, 71% believe that an agreement will lead to economic benefits, the study stated. They mention benefits as increased investment and oil revenues, gains for employment and growth. However, one fifth of the people who expect an increase in economic benefits indicate that the actual benefits might not reach the Iranians due to mismanagement by the government, according to the study.
61% of the respondents believe that the agreement will have an impact on the political and cultural reforms. They say that the government of Rouhani will be politically stronger when there is a deal, so that the government will be able to focus on the issues of political and cultural reforms, the research states.
As explained by the novelist Aboutorab Khosravi, ‘the Iranian society wants to live with the rest of world’. “We want to be connected to the entire world. These conditions of isolation from the rest of the world are intolerable.” The concluding of this agreement may be the first step out.