Iran supreme leader welcomes nuclear agreement

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hailed the nuclear deal between Iran and the world powers on Sunday, state IRIB TV reported. The achievements, recognizing the nuclear and enrichment rights of Iran by the powers which could open the way for further economic and technical advancements, could be a "basis for Iranians' vigilant measures in future," Iran's leader said in response to the letter of President Hassan Rouhani. Resistance against the "excessive demands" of some powers has been and will be the criteria for the Iranian officials, he added. On Sunday, Rouhani congratulated Khamenei on nuclear deal between the Islamic republic and the P5+1 group, including the United States, Britain, France, Russia and China plus Germany. In the negotiations, Iran's "nuclear rights and uranium enrichment were recognized," the step which will bring about further achievements for the country, said Rouhani in his letter. Iran and P5+1 reached a deal early Sunday after five days of intensive talks in Geneva. The United States and its allies will afford Iran with sanctions relief equivalent to 7 billion U.S. dollars under the terms of the six-month nuclear deal, according to a White House statement. In exchange, Iran will halt nuclear enrichment above five percent in purity, it added.