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An Iranian-Canadian in Regina is expressing concern over the newly-announced initial agreement between the U.S. and Iran, saying it has been met with disappointment and skepticism by many Iranians.
Soheil Vosta said the deal, which focuses largely on nuclear issues, overlooks what he described as broader calls for political change inside Iran.
Vosta said reactions from fellow Iranians to the deal have been overwhelmingly negative.
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“This is the most disappointing thing that happened in this case for Iranian people,” Vosta said.
Many people in Iran, he said, feel international negotiations are not addressing their core demands.
“People came to the streets not just because of nuclear issues, but to oppose the whole regime,” Vosta said.
He added that many peopel in Iran had hoped international pressure would have supported their push for political change.
“For people right now, it’s the most disappointing thing because (when) I talk to any of them from back home, I’m just sending messages (and) I can see how they are disappointed, and how they don’t like these kind of deals,” he said.
Vosta said the government’s restrictions have made it difficult to see what’s happening in the country and for people outside of Iran to stay in touch with their loved ones.
“They shut down the internet, they shut down any kind of connection for more than 100 days,” he said.
Everything people see and hear surrounding the agreement, Vosta explained, is propaganda from the current regime to try and convince people that the deal is a good one.
Although discussing nuclear policy is important, Vosta said it’s taking away from discussions of political freedom and government accountability, which, for him and many Iranians, they view as the main issues.
When looking ahead to the future, Vosta said he isn’t optimistic any agreement will lead to change.
“I’m pretty sure even if they sign something, after a couple of years they (would) do whatever they wanted to,” he said.
Vosta’s lack of confidence stems from failed agreements in the past, which didn’t provide any long-term stability or meaningful reform.
With Iran particpating in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Vosta said many Iranians are and have been refusing to support official representation abroad.
“This is not our national team, this is the regime’s national team,” he stated.
Many people protested when the Iranian team’s bus travelled to Los Angeles for a match. Protesters declared the players did not represent their country’s team, Vosta said.
“We never support them. We hope we hope they never go into the next rounds, because (they don’t represent) our nationality.”
He said many people differentiate between their national identity and the government in power.
“The people of Iran want to get rid of this regime and bring the power back to Iran,” Vosta explained.
