Deal or no deal, Iran president faces headaches at home

But despite the risks he has taken in pushing for a deal against hardline opposition, the deal may not be enough to ensure Rouhani’s political future, analysts say.

 

Instead, long-term success is likely to hinge on whether he can ring the changes at home after making pre-election pledges on social and cultural reforms that have taken a back seat to the nuclear talks.

 

In parliamentary elections next February voters could endorse Rouhani, a moderate, by backing candidates who favor his bid to bring Iran out of the international deep freeze.

 

But they could also reject his outreach and vote for conservatives, including hardliners, who — deal or no deal — will assert that Rouhani has not delivered on his promises.

 

The stakes are high, said Amir Mohebbian, a conservative-leaning analyst with close ties to Iran’s leadership, and Iranians are looking for tangible results.

 

“To the people, the situation has not changed and many think the negotiations are a game in which they have gained no advantages. This perception feeds the opponents of a deal,” he said.

 

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