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US offers Iran a 'new beginning' US offers Iran a 'new beginning'
(about 1 hour later)
US President Barack Obama has offered "a new beginning" of diplomatic engagement with Iran in an unprecedented videotaped message. US President Barack Obama has offered "a new beginning" of engagement with Tehran in an unprecedented direct video message to the Iranian people.
"My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us," Mr Obama said."My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us," Mr Obama said.
His message was released to coincide with the festival of Nowruz - when Iranians mark the arrival of spring.His message was released to coincide with the festival of Nowruz - when Iranians mark the arrival of spring.
Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.
The US fears Iran's nuclear programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny. The US fears Iran's uranium enrichment programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny.
WarningWarning
In his message, President Obama said he wanted "to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran".In his message, President Obama said he wanted "to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran".
The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities US President Barack Obama
He said his administration was committed "to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community".He said his administration was committed "to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community".
"With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning," the message said."With the coming of a new season, we're reminded of this precious humanity that we all share. And we can once again call upon this spirit as we seek the promise of a new beginning," the message said.
But Mr Obama warned: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."But Mr Obama warned: "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."
Iran insists that is nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes
"The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations. You have that right - but it come with real responsibilities."
Mr Obama's message was also distributed with subtitles in Farsi and posted it on the White House's official website.
The message is a dramatic departure from the policies of the George W Bush's administration, which described Iran as part of the "axis of evil", the BBC's Jonathan Beale in Washington says.
However, Mr Obama acknowledged in his message that it would not be easy to overcome "the old divisions".
Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place.Mr Obama has talked of engagement with Iran but has not made clear how that might take place.
Shortly after coming to office in January, he said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us".Shortly after coming to office in January, he said "if countries like Iran are willing to unclench their fists, they will find an extended hand from us".
However, earlier this month he extended sanctions against Iran for one year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security. But earlier this month he extended sanctions against Iran for one year, saying it continues to pose a threat to US national security.