Iran Edition: “Nothing!” vs. “Extension of Hope”

The extension of nuclear negotiations for another seven months unsurprisingly elicited a range of responses from Iran, ranging from anger that crippling economic sanctions remain in place to pride in the nation’s ability to stick to its principles during talks. After a day of press conferences and statements, Iranian newspaper editors had their turn to give input. Some newspapers had not posted their negotiations coverage online by this post’s publication, so we present a small cross-section of Iranian newspapers:

Two popular reformist papers – Shargh and Aftab-e Yazd – both declared an “Extension of Hope,” splashing photos of the seven foreign ministers and the EU’s Catherine Ashton across their front pages.

Iran’s oldest daily newspaper, the moderate E’talat, was positively buoyant. It declared “Iranian success in managing the most complex negotiations in a century” and wrote that there was “no change” in Iranian “principles.”

Hardline papers had a different take. Vatan-e Emruz had perhaps the most creative front page, leaving more than half the page blank and blaring “Nothing!” – negotiations ended with no resolution.

Kayhan, a newspaper closely connected to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, ran the headline: “The Village Chief [America] is Impossible to Trust, Sanctions Are Extended.”

Front pages are courtesy the respective publications.