Obama's Nowruz Message: The Opportunity for Agreement May Not Come Again Soon

Barack Obama, the President of the United States, in a message released on the eve of the Persian New Year, congratulated all those celebrating Nowruz and addressed the Iranian people to outline his views on the nuclear agreement between Iran and the global community. Mr. Obama, referring to the Nowruz celebration initiated by his wife last week, noted, "We have even set our Haft-Seen, which represents our hopes for the new year." The U.S. President described the new year as encompassing hopes for progress between Iran and the global community, including the United States, emphasizing that 2015 presents the best opportunity in several decades for pursuing a different future between Iran and the U.S. Mr. Obama referred to the initial understanding regarding Iran's nuclear program and stressed that both sides have adhered to their commitments. He described this adherence by stating that Iran has halted its advances in its nuclear program and even rolled back some aspects of it, while, in return, the global community, including the United States, has provided some relief in sanctions against Iran. The U.S. President characterized the upcoming days and weeks in the Iranian nuclear negotiations as "critical" and reiterated that despite progress in discussions, there remain gaps. Mr. Obama added that there are individuals in both countries and beyond who oppose a diplomatic solution to the Iranian nuclear issue, but he emphasized to the Iranian people that "we must persist together for the future we seek." He pointed to statements by Iran's leaders asserting that Iran is not pursuing nuclear weapons, as well as the U.S. and global community's desire for Iran to access peaceful nuclear energy in accordance with international commitments, stating that "if Iran is willing to take meaningful and verifiable steps to assure the world that its nuclear program is indeed solely for peaceful purposes, there is a path for Iran." The U.S. President further reminded that Iranian leaders have two choices: agree to a "reasonable agreement" that could lead to better opportunities for the Iranian people, or fail to accept such an agreement, which would keep "Iran on its current path, a path that has isolated Iran and Iranians from a large part of the world." Mr. Obama emphasized that what is at stake today is that the time to reach an agreement "may not come again soon" and noted his belief that Iran and the U.S. "have a historic opportunity to resolve this matter peacefully." The U.S. President concluded his Nowruz message to the Iranian people by stating, "For decades, our countries have been separated by misunderstanding and fear. Now it is spring, and we have an opportunity. An opportunity to make progress that benefits both countries and the world for many years to come." He added that it is now up to Iranians and Americans to recognize this time and the opportunities that can flourish in this new season.