TEHRAN: Iran’s president defended an interim nuclear deal that eases some of the international community’s crippling economic sanctions in return for a freeze on part of the Islamic Republic’s uranium enrichment activities, saying Saturday that improving the economy is as important as maintaining a peaceful nuclear program.

Since Iran signed the interim agreement last month with world powers, President Hassan Rowhani has been trying to convince skeptics and hard-liners at home that Iran is not compromising on key issues of national sovereignty. It’s a task that will become all the more difficult for the moderate leader as Tehran moves toward a final accord six months from now.

“Nuclear technology and uranium enrichment is our definite right,” Rowhani said in a speech to university students that was broadcast live on state TV. “But progress, better living conditions and welfare for the people is also our definite right. Breaking and dismantling the architecture of the ominous and oppressive sanctions is also our definite right.”

A strict sanction regime leveled by Western powers on Iran over its disputed nuclear program has taken an immense toll on the nation’s economy, and Rowhani was elected in a landslide earlier this year with the expectation that he would quickly fix the economic malaise. At times, he has tried to frame the debate over the nuclear deal in economic terms, stressing the boost it would give to the economy.

“Centrifuges should spin. But the life of people and the economy also need to spin,” he added. “Without economic might, our national might won’t be enhanced.”

Rowhani's speech was interrupted by chants of “moderation, reforms” from supporters and “Death to America” from hard-line students who attended the speech. Rowhani paused for seconds when supporters called for the release of opposition leaders while opponents demanded their execution.

“We need domestic unanimity and consensus to reach our goals. So, we should increase our tolerance,” Rowhani said with a smile.