The nuclear deal between world powers and Iran could lead to better relations between Tehran and Washington and the eventual re-opening of embassies in both capitals, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani was quoted as saying on Thursday.<br />However, he said he expected the United States to apologize to Iranians before diplomatic relations could be restored.<br />Iran and Washington severed ties in 1979 when 52 Americans were kidnapped and held in the U.S. embassy in Tehran for over a year.<br />Relations came under further pressure in the last decade over Iran's nuclear ambitions.<br />Under the agreement reached in July, Iran is to curb its nuclear program in exchange for an easing of sanctions on its economy.<br />Tehran denied Western suspicions it wanted to develop an atomic bomb.
