Obama congratulates Iranians over Nowruz

US President Barack Obama congratulated on Monday Iranians over celebrating Nowruz beginning later this week. In a video message, Obama spoke directly to the people and leaders of Iran about the opportunity to begin a new relationship between the two countries. "As I have every year as President, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the people and leaders of Iran. Since taking office, I have offered the Iranian government an opportunity if it meets its international obligations, then there could be a new relationship between our two countries, and Iran could begin to return to its rightful place among the community of nations," he said. "I have had no illusions about the difficulty of overcoming decades of mistrust. It will take a serious and sustained effort to resolve the many differences between Iran and the United States. This includes the world s serious and growing concerns about Iran s nuclear program, which threatens peace and security in the region and beyond," he added. "Iran s leaders say that their nuclear program is for medical research and electricity. To date, however, they have been unable to convince the international community that their nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. That s why the world is united in its resolve to address this issue and why Iran is now so isolated. The people of Iran have paid a high and unnecessary price because of your leaders unwillingness to address this issue, Obama explained. "As I ve said all along, the United States prefers to resolve this matter peacefully, diplomatically. Indeed, if as Iran s leaders say their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, then there is a basis for a practical solution. It s a solution that would give Iran access to peaceful nuclear energy while resolving once and for all the serious questions that the world has about the true nature of the Iranian nuclear program," he added. "The United States, alongside the rest of the international community, is ready to reach such a solution. Now is the time for the Iranian government to take immediate and meaningful steps to reduce tensions and work toward an enduring, long-term settlement of the nuclear issue," Obama stressed. "Finding a solution will be no easy task. But if we can, the Iranian people will begin to see the benefits of greater trade and ties with other nations, including the United States. Whereas if the Iranian government continues down its current path, it will only further isolate Iran. This is the choice now before Iran s leaders," he said. "I hope they choose a better path for the sake of the Iranian people and for the sake of the world. Because there s no good reason for Iranians to be denied the opportunities enjoyed by people in other countries, just as Iranians deserve the same freedoms and rights as people everywhere," Obama added. "As a new spring begins, I remain hopeful that our two countries can move beyond tension. And I will continue to work toward a new day between our nations that bears the fruit of friendship and peace," he said.