Nuclear deal opens new era for Iran and the West

Significance

Representing a victory for international diplomacy, the deal promises to resolve a 13-year stand-off between Iran and the West, and pave the way to Iran's reintegration into the international community and economy. However, it must first receive Iranian government approval, and pass review in the US Congress, where Republicans are gearing up to oppose it.

Impacts

• Iranian hardliners are unlikely to scuttle the settlement as long as Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei maintains his support for it.
• President Hassan Rouhani and his centrist-reformist allies will be strengthened politically against the hardliners.
• The deal will exacerbate tensions between the United States and key regional allies, Israel and the Gulf Arab states.
• Detente with Washington will be limited by hardliners on both sides, and by Iran's unstinting support for its regional proxies.