Iran struck a historic deal with the United States and five other world powers, agreeing to place a temporary freeze on its nuclear programme.

Iranian President Hassan Rouhani endorsed the agreement which commits Iran to curbing nuclear activities for six months in exchange for limited sanctions relief, including access to $4.2 billion (£2.6bn) from oil sales.

The six-month period was intended to give negotiators extra time to negotiate a more sweeping agreement.

US President Barack Obama also hailed the provisions, which include freezing Iran's ability to enrich uranium at a maximum 5 per cent level - well below the threshold for weapons-grade material.

But the joy was hardly universal, with usual suspect Israel moaning about the deal.

"Today the world became a much more dangerous place because the most dangerous regime in the world made a significant step in obtaining the most dangerous weapons in the world," said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He insisted Israel was not bound by the deal and reserved the right to defend itself.

And he was joined by at least one dissenting voice in the US Congress.

House foreign affairs committee chairman Ed Royce expressed "serious concerns," claiming the US was "relieving Iran of sanctions pressure built up over years," while allowing Tehran to "keep key elements of its nuclear weapons-making capacity."

But Mr Obama said the deal put "substantial limitations" on Iran's nuclear programme.

"While today's announcement is just a first step, it achieves a great deal," Mr Obama said.

"We have halted the progress of the Iranian nuclear programme and key parts will be rolled back."

Inside Iran, Mr Rouhani said the accord recognised Iran's "nuclear rights" even if that precise language was kept from the final document because of Western resistance.

"No matter what interpretations are given, Iran's right to enrichment has been recognised," said Mr Rouhani.

He later posed with family members of nuclear scientists killed in attacks over recent years that Iran has blamed on Israel and its allies.

Saying "trust is a two-way street," Mr Rouhani insisted that talks on a comprehensive agreement should start immediately.