Jokes are circulating among fun-loving Iranians about the tentative nuclear agreement reached in Lausanne, Switzerland, on April 2.
Here are a few we received from Iran that highlight the high hopes and expectations many Iranians have from the deal, which could potentially lead to a nuclear agreement that would curb Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief.
"Inform people that the deal is only focused on the nuclear issue. Make sure they don't come to the streets wearing only their tops and shorts." (Women are forced to observe the Islamic hijab in Iran and men are not allowed to wear shorts in public.)
"I haven't been able to sleep since last night [when I heard the news about the deal]. I can't stop thinking about what I should be wearing now that we will be hanging out with America."
"Please lower your expectations. Since yesterday we've received reports that some applied for licenses to open casinos [gambling is banned in Iran]. Meanwhile a group of people have gone to the airport with flowers to welcome Dariush [a very popular singer who like many others left Iran because of the 1979 revolution]."
"What kind of deal is this? I went to the grocery store to buy whiskey, they didn't have any!" (Alcohol is banned in Iran)
"What kind of deal is this?! I saw two mullahs in the street!" (Clerics came to power after the 1979 revolution)
-- Golnaz Esfandiari
