In The Know

Iranians snap selfies with Obama

The announcement Thursday of a nuclear bargain to roll back sanctions turned lots of Iranians into President Obama fans, with several taking photos of the American leader.

Iranian journalist Pedram Alvandi and others snapped selfies while Obama’s address from the White House outlining the preliminary deal aired live on TV in Iran:

It was believed to be the first time a U.S. president’s speech was broadcast live in Iran since the 1979 Islamic Revolution, according to BBC News, and it aired after 11 p.m. local time in Tehran.

At least one person also showed appreciation for Secretary of State John Kerry, who led the team of U.S. negotiators in Lausanne, Switzerland:


Other families huddled around their TVs to hear about the framework deal.


In the past several days, there have been more than 400,000 mentions on social media from Iran relating to the U.S.-led talks, independent digital strategist Jon Tilton told USA Today.

Twitter and other sites are officially banned in Iran but can be accessed through alternative methods.

Obama used his lengthy Rose Garden appearance to cast the framework agreement as “historic” and attempt to quell concerns over the deal, which would lift international sanctions on Iran in return for new limitations on its nuclear program.

Negotiators face a tough couple of months as they work to secure a final deal by June 30.