“It’s another revolution! Be happy!” a group of girls shouted. Like them, thousands of other Iranians took to the streets last night, singing and dancing. Such behaviour is officially banned in the Islamic republic but was tolerated. Still, many Iranians are aware of hard-liners’ strength. “"Will the revolutionary Guard support the deal?" wondered one Iranian.

Tehran (AsiaNews/Agencies) – Thousands of Iranians shouted “freedom” last night as they celebrated in Tehran and other Iranian cities the announcement of a deal in Vienna on Iran’s nuclear programme that would end 12 years of sanctions that crippled the country’s economy.

Many waved flags. Some painted their faces in the flag's red, white and green colours. Others raised their hands in V-for-victory signs.

“It’s another revolution! Be happy!” a group of girls shouted. Like them, thousands of Iranians sang and danced into the night.

Such behaviour is officially banned in the Islamic republic but was tolerated in such a rare moment of national unity.

Many had pictures of President Hassan Rouhani and Foreign Minister Javad Zarif, now considered national heroes because of the end of sanctions.

President Hassan Rouhani, addressing the nation live on national television, said the agreement was “an important juncture in the history of our country and revolution.”

For him, “a new chapter” had begun, showing that sophisticated world problems “could be solved through less costly ways”.

Iran’s Supreme Leader Khamenei, who met with Rouhani Tuesday night, expressed his "appreciation and thanks for the honest and diligent efforts" by the negotiating team.

Still, many Iranians are aware of hard-liners’ strength. “"Will the revolutionary Guard support the deal?" wondered one Iranian.

• iran
• nuclear
• programme
• vienna
• deal
• celebrations