Dozens rally in Alberta to support Iranian nuclear deal

CALGARY – It’s a deal that some say offers a long-term solution to one of the most urgent threats of our time, nuclear war.

After lengthy negotiations, global leaders struck a deal with Iran last month, one that places limits on Tehran’s nuclear program.

Across the country Saturday, rallies were held in support of the accord.

READ MORE: Jeff Flake, sole Republican on fence for Iran deal, declares opposition

Calgary’s Peace Bridge and the Alberta Legislature grounds were were the sites of a rallies to support the Iranian nuclear deal.

The historic accord would curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for relief from economic sanctions.

“It will open a door to the world. I know, because I visit Iran almost every year and the people really want to be in connection with the other nations,” said Safaneh Neyshabouri, a rally organizer.

Many attending this rally have family in Iran, like rally organizer Siamak Khorrari. He says years of sanctions have taken a terrible toll, making everything more expensive and it prevents access to  medications.

“The sanctions that have been placed for many years have not prevented Iran’s progress in its nuclear program. In the meantime it has affected millions of ordinary people, especially because of the medical situation and economic situation,” Siamak Khorrari said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "The sanctions that have been placed for many years have not prevented Iran's progress in its nuclear program. In the meantime it has affected millions of ordinary people, especially because of the medical situation and economic situation," Siamak Khorrari said.

Supporters like Barack Obama say the accord is an important step to ensure Iran never develops a nuclear weapon.

Those opposed, worry Iran will reap billions of dollars from sanctions relief, that could end up in the hands of terrorists.  They say Iran can delay inspections of  suspect sites but supporters say there will be unprecedented access to ensure we’ll know if Iran cheats.

“We know that there is going to be more than enough surveillance of Iranian nuclear activities. It will be clear if Iran is doing anything suspicious.” Neyshabouri said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "We know that there is going to be more than enough surveillance of Iranian nuclear activities. It will be clear if Iran is doing anything suspicious." Neyshabouri said.

But Canada isn’t rushing to lift any sanctions on Iran. Foreign minister Rob Nicholson said the Harper government will examine this deal further before taking any action.

Those at the rally say Canada is out of step with the majority of world powers which have endorsed the deal.

“So in terms of getting a better deal, better for what? We need to move forward. We need to move forward now and we need to understand that everyone of us no matter where we live, we need to be a part of this and we need to support each other,” said Arthur Clark from Calgary Centre for Global Community.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "So in terms of getting a better deal, better for what? We need to move forward. We need to move forward now and we need to understand that everyone of us no matter where we live, we need to be a part of this and we need to support each other," said Arthur Clark from Calgary Centre for Global Community.

Counter protests have also been held in Canada saying the regime of Iran can’t be trusted.

Supporters here say the alternative to the deal would be another war in the middle east.

Some analysts say the deal with Iran could ultimately be bad news for the Canadian oil industry, as Iranian oil hits the market again.

The U.S. congress will vote on the deal next month.