Barack Obama has sent a message to Iranians in Iran and around the world celebrating Norooz and urged Iran to take “immediate and meaningful steps” to convince the international community of the peaceful nature of its nuclear activities.
The U.S. president said he wished to take the opportunity to speak directly to Iranians and Iranian officials to comply with their international duties and return to their rightful place by re-establishing relations with the U.S.
Obama stressed that resolving differences will not be easy and will require serious and consistent efforts.
He added that Iranians have paid a heavy and “unnecessary” price for the nuclear disputes.
He stressed that the U.S. prefers a peaceful and diplomatic solution to the disputes, adding that there is a way to allow Iran access to peaceful nuclear exploitation while remaining accountable to international concerns about its nuclear activities.
He urged Iran to use the current opportunity to reduce tension and take meaningful steps to achieve a lasting agreement.
He added that Iran’s isolation is not in the world’s interests either.
Obama concluded his message with Norooz greetings, once more calling for collaboration between the two countries.
Obama has issued similar Norooz messages in the past; however, Iranian officials have received the messages with reservations, questioning his intentions.
