On Saturday, August 15, in front of the Tribune Tower on Michigan Avenue, members of the grassroots movement #IranDeal Chicago gathered to bring their message to the public.  The group was promoting Senate passage of the nuclear deal negotiated between representatives of the international community, including U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, and representatives of Iran.

Some group members held signs, while others spoke directly to passers-by.  Still others distributed white roses, symbolizing peace and friendship.

Organizer and SAIC alum Sanaz Sohrabi said that the movement is not about changing the nature of the Iranian government, but about taking first steps towards diplomacy with the West, and openness to the wider world.  She said group’s goals include promoting civil society, freedom of speech, and to advance peace in the Middle East.

When asked how the public had received the message that day, Sohrabi said that the responses “were about 30% positive,” and that one man told her, “We don’t have deals with terrorists.”

SAIC photography and filmmaking alum Azadeh Khastoo remarked, “Sanctions effect everyday people, not the rulers.  The people of Iran want peace with the U.S.”