Iran's president: Nuclear deal has helped economy

Iran's President Hassan Rouhani says last month's nuclear deal with world powers has already had a positive impact on the country's economy.

Rouhani spoke today while presenting next year's budget to parliament. He told an open session of parliament that, after the "success" of the talks, people show more interest in investing in businesses and the stock exchange. State TV broadcast his speech.

The nuclear deal eases some sanctions in return for a halt to parts of Iran's uranium enrichment program.

Western sanctions over the country's suspect nuclear program last year dealt a heavy blow to the economy, especially the currency.

The $68 billion budget predicts a US dollar set to 26,000 Iranian rials. The rial is currently 29,000 to the dollar. Parliament will decide on the budget within months.