US President Barack Obama said the United States and Iran in 2015 have an opportunity to improve their relationship for the first time in decades.
“This year we have the best opportunity in decades to pursue a different future between our countries. The days and weeks ahead will be critical,” Obama said in an address marking Nowruz, the Iranian New Year.
"In this sense, Iran's leaders have a choice between two paths. If Iran cannot agree to a reasonable deal, this path will isolate the Iranian people from so much of the world. If Iran's leaders can agree to a reasonable deal, it can lead to a better path - the path of greater opportunities for the Iranian people. More trade and ties with the world. More foreign investment and jobs, including for young Iranians. More cultural exchanges and chances for Iranian students to travel abroad. More partnerships in areas like science and technology and innovation," Obama noted.
The President said that Iran should have access to peaceful nuclear energy, consistent with Iran’s international obligations. "So Iran should take meaningful, verifiable steps to assure the world that its nuclear program is, in fact, for peaceful purposes only," he explained. "And this moment may not come again soon. I believe that our nations have an historic opportunity to resolve this issue peacefully - an opportunity we should not miss," the President concluded.
