Iranians view life after nuclear pact with blend of skepticism and hope

Iran Limits Its Nuclear Program  The purpose of the agreement is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons, and to ensure that its nuclear program is used for peaceful purposes, like generating power. Official efforts to lower expectations and hide details of the agreement have left many Iranians mystified. Since Iran’s Islamic revolution in 1979 the United States and other countries have imposed trade restrictions on oil rich Iran, blocking weapon sales and most trade.

Hope with a strong undercurrent of doubt  Iranian President Hassan Rouhani warned that no tangible benefits are expected until spring, when most sanctions may be lifted of Iran’s oil industry. Still, many ordinary Iranians are doubtful things will get better. In the underground gold market, shop windows glittered with bracelets, rings, necklaces and other jewels, vendors say sales have been slow. “Business is very slack.” said Asghar Nouzad,40, seeming depressed as he manned his stall,” I don’t see much hope for the future.”

Change will be long time coming  Predictably, it drew sharp rebuke from the Obama administration. Hypersensitive to any suggestions that it has made concessions to Washington D.C, Iran's conservative leadership has ramped up anti- western speech. In recent days, the military theatrically unveiled a new generation of long range ballistic missiles, hidden deep underground.

Key Issues: Enriched Uranium, Nuclear Facilities  Enriching Uranium separates out the type of uranium needed to make an atomic bomb from common uranium.  Sanctions should be ended sometime in 2016 some officials say. Western officials say it will take months for Iran to begin complying with the deal’s complex details. These include reducing the country’s ability to enrich uranium, a key step in making a nuclear bomb.