President Obama has sent a video message to the Iranian people on the occasion of Nowruz.
In the New Year’s greeting, Obama declares, “If (Iran) meets its international obligations, then there could be a new relationship of friendship between our two countries and Iran can return to its rightful place among the community of nations.”
Obama uses the occasion of President Rouhani’s election “with your strong support” and his historic phone call with Rouhani in September to promote engagement and nuclear talks: “I am under no illusions. This will be difficult, but I am committed to diplomacy because I believe there is the basis for a practical solution.”
He then dangles the possibility of relief from sanctions and economic hardship, “Real diplomatic progress this year can help open up new possibilities and prosperity for the Iranian people for years to come.”
