Tehran selling deal with US as victory – but for Iranians it was necessity

Iran's leadership is presenting its emerging deal with the US as a victory. Iran, still reeling from a damaging war, is trying to sell the agreement to its citizens. The country's economy is under severe pressure, with high inflation and restricted access to oil markets and hard currency. The deal, framed as a win by senior officials, has been met with criticism and skepticism by some Iranians.

Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf, the Speaker of parliament, has described the agreement as a "long step towards final victory". President Masoud Pezeshkian has also praised the deal, saying it could resolve many of Iran's problems and create "a different world" in the region. However, not all Iranians are convinced. A hard-line MP has reportedly described the draft deal as a document that would turn Iran into an American colony.

The leadership's narrative is contested inside Iran, with some arguing that the US cannot be trusted. Hard-line voices in parliament, state-aligned media, and nightly pro-government gatherings have argued that diplomacy was used as cover while Israel and the US prepared military action. For them, any deal with Washington risks looking like appeasement. Yet, some of these voices appear quieter now, suggesting that the decision to proceed has been authorized from the highest levels of the state.

The economic pressure has forced Tehran's hand, with the war, sanctions, and restrictions on shipping squeezing the country and ordinary Iranians. For many families, the question is not whether the agreement sounds like victory, but whether it lowers prices and reduces fear of another round of war. US Vice-President JD Vance has said Iran would not receive taxpayer money but could gain access to billions of dollars if it fulfils its commitments and sanctions are eased.

This allows Tehran to sell the deal as a path to investment and reconstruction rather than dependency on America. The details of the memorandum have not been fully disclosed, but the risks are obvious. The deal has sparked division and criticism, with some arguing that it is a necessary step towards economic recovery and others seeing it as a betrayal of Iran's principles.

The implications of the deal are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the region and the global economy. The agreement could lead to increased investment and trade, but it also risks destabilizing the region if not implemented carefully. The role of the US and other international players will be crucial in determining the success of the deal.

In the coming weeks and months, the Iranian government will face the challenge of selling the deal to its citizens and implementing its terms. The leadership will need to balance the competing demands of different factions and interest groups, while also navigating the complex web of international relations. The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: the deal marks a significant shift in Iran's relations with the US and the wider world.

The deal has also sparked debate about the role of diplomacy in resolving conflicts. Some argue that the agreement is a testament to the power of diplomacy, while others see it as a sign of weakness. The reality is likely more complex, with a combination of factors contributing to the outcome. The use of military leverage, including pressure around the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on US and regional energy interests, has been cited as a key factor in the negotiations.

However, the economic pressure has been the primary driver of the deal. The war, sanctions, and restrictions on shipping have had a devastating impact on the Iranian economy, with high inflation and restricted access to oil markets and hard currency. The deal offers a way out of this crisis, but it also poses significant risks. The Iranian government will need to navigate these risks carefully, balancing the competing demands of different factions and interest groups.

The international community will be watching the developments in Iran closely, with many countries having a stake in the outcome. The US, in particular, will be closely monitoring the situation, given its role in the negotiations. The European Union and other international players will also be watching, given their interests in the region and the global economy.

In conclusion, the deal between Iran and the US marks a significant shift in the relations between the two countries. The implications are far-reaching, with potential consequences for the region and the global economy. The Iranian government will face significant challenges in implementing the deal and selling it to its citizens. The outcome is far from certain, but one thing is clear: the deal is a significant development in the complex and often fraught relations between Iran and the US.