Iran’s Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif has received a rapturous reception from crowds in Tehran, after negotiating a preliminary nuclear deal that paves for the way for an end to years of crippling sanctions.

In return Iran must curb, though not abandon, its nuclear activities.

Zarif, just back from marathon talks in Switzerland, stressed that point at a
news conference on arrival.

“The nuclear programme will continue,” he said.

Zarif stressed that under a final deal, due to be struck between Iran and six world powers by June 30, if any decision is made to reimpose sanctions, Tehran will be able to reciprocate by retreating from its commitments.

His car was swamped by jubilant well-wishers who had already spent Thursday night celebrating on news of the tentative agreement.

All sanctions on Iran remain in place until a final deal.

Under the outline accord, Iran would shut more than two-thirds of its installed centrifuges capable of producing uranium that could be us