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Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension' | Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension' |
(about 3 hours later) | |
US President Barack Obama has offered Iran a "practical solution" if it truly seeks peaceful nuclear capabilities rather than weapons. | US President Barack Obama has offered Iran a "practical solution" if it truly seeks peaceful nuclear capabilities rather than weapons. |
In a video to the Iranian people, Mr Obama urged Iran to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community. | In a video to the Iranian people, Mr Obama urged Iran to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community. |
He said Iranians had paid a "high and unnecessary price" for Tehran's "unwillingness" to satisfy concerns. | He said Iranians had paid a "high and unnecessary price" for Tehran's "unwillingness" to satisfy concerns. |
Mr Obama's message marked the Persian new year, Nowruz. | Mr Obama's message marked the Persian new year, Nowruz. |
International powers suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies. | |
Iran insists its purposes are purely civilian, asserting it needs enriched uranium to make medical isotopes. | |
"Iran's leaders say that their nuclear program is for medical research and electricity," Mr Obama said. | "Iran's leaders say that their nuclear program is for medical research and electricity," Mr Obama said. |
"To date, however, they have been unable to convince the international community that their nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. | "To date, however, they have been unable to convince the international community that their nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. |
"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." | "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." |
He said increased trade and better ties with other nations would benefit the Iranian people, but warned proceeding on the current path would result in deeper isolation. | He said increased trade and better ties with other nations would benefit the Iranian people, but warned proceeding on the current path would result in deeper isolation. |
The president's annual Nowruz message comes ahead of a visit to the Middle East on Wednesday. | The president's annual Nowruz message comes ahead of a visit to the Middle East on Wednesday. |
In Mr Obama's upcoming visit to Israel and Jordan - his first trip there as president - Iran is expected to be high on the agenda. | In Mr Obama's upcoming visit to Israel and Jordan - his first trip there as president - Iran is expected to be high on the agenda. |
His closely-watched visit could set the tone of foreign policy in the region for his second term, analysts say. | His closely-watched visit could set the tone of foreign policy in the region for his second term, analysts say. |
Last month, the US tightened its sanctions on Iran, restricting the country's access to its own oil revenues and imposing financial restrictions against Iran's state-run media. | Last month, the US tightened its sanctions on Iran, restricting the country's access to its own oil revenues and imposing financial restrictions against Iran's state-run media. |