Iranians welcome US deal with hope for economic recovery after war

Tehran's Enqelab Square buzzed with activity and a heavy police presence on Monday, June 15, 2026, as Iranians reacted with relief to the news of a peace agreement between Iran and the United States. After 39 days of daily bombings and a fragile 69-day ceasefire, citizens expressed hope that the deal would allow them to resume normal lives.

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When I heard that Iran and the United States had agreed to a memorandum of understanding, I felt relief.

Mahmud, a 46-year-old supermarket cashier, shared his relief, stating, "We are tired of the conflict and want to turn the page." Beyond the end of hostilities, he and others are particularly hopeful for economic improvements. Iran's annual inflation rate had surged from around 50% before the war to 77%, with essential goods reaching 130%.

"We have stopped drinking coffee every day or buying non-essential food," Mahmud recounted. The Iranian side claims the U.S. will release $12 billion in blocked foreign funds and allow unrestricted oil sales, though Washington has not confirmed this. Such measures would be a lifeline for a country that has suffered an estimated $270 billion in damages from U.S. and Israeli attacks.

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We are tired of the conflict and want to turn the page.

While some Tehran residents believe reduced sanctions could boost the economy and provide the government with more resources to combat inflation, skepticism remains. "We have already seen agreements that were not kept," Mahmud admitted. Alí, a 41-year-old insurance worker, welcomed the preliminary agreement and the planned reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, emphasizing, "The important thing is that a door to diplomacy has opened."

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We have stopped drinking coffee every day or buying non-essential food.

Despite the ongoing nuclear negotiations expected to be lengthy, the prospect of a diplomatic solution offers a glimmer of hope. "Nobody knows if the negotiations will succeed, but after months of war, even the possibility of a diplomatic solution is considered good news," said Ashkan, a 38-year-old unemployed man.

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I think if the sanctions are reduced, perhaps the economy will improve and the government will have more resources to prevent inflation from rising further.