Iran, the United States and other world powers reached a historic accord on Tuesday to curb Iranian nuclear programs. After 20 months of intense negotiations, the parties agreed that Iran will significantly reduce its stockpile of enriched nuclear material and cease further enrichment for at least 10 years. In return major economic sanctions will be lifted in phases, effectively releasing billions of dollars in frozen Iranian assets. United for Iran’s Executive Director Firuzeh Mahmoudi issued the following statement: 

“Today’s deal is a major triumph for peace. For more than a decade the Iran nuclear negotiations were defined by failure. However, through persistence and commitment to diplomacy Iran and the P5+1 powers have reached an agreement that avoids a catastrophic war. It’s time to show the same commitment to improving human rights and civil liberties in Iran.

In the last few months, as the world’s attention was focused on the negotiations, Iranian women were once again banned from entering sports stadiums, a new wave of musicians were prevented from exercising their freedom of expression, the legal rights of those facing “security” charges were curbed, and the father of a political prisoner was imprisoned for talking about his son’s condition.

As with most people, Iranians care more about enhancing the quality of their lives, their economic, legal, and social rights, than tough political posturing. They want a stronger riyal, lower unemployment, greater access to technology and to the world, the right to speak freely, protest peacefully, dissent without persecution, practice their religion, watch sports games, and to defend themselves in court. An Iran that honors the desires and the rights of its people –– globally-minded and peaceful people –– is essentially a safer global player both now and long-term.

Today’s deal is a victory for commitment to peace. The international community should now show the same support for improving the human rights and civil liberties of Iranians.”