Seeks new relationship based on “mutual respect”
U.S. President Barack Obama has reached out to the Iranian people and government by releasing a videotaped holiday greeting that calls for a new relationship between Iran and the United States that is “honest and grounded in mutual respect.” Obama also warned Iran that it cannot join the community of nations “through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization.” A spokesman for Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad welcomed the message but said the United States must apologize for a long list of grievances dating back to 1953, and reverse its support for Israel, before reconciliation can take place. Obama’s message was timed to coincide with Nowruz, the Persian New Year.