The President: Hello.
To everyone celebrating
Nowruz, across the United
states and around the world.
Nowruz Mubarak!
And once again we'll be
celebrating Nowruz at the
White House as well.
In a few weeks, we'll bring
out our own Haft Seen.
There will be sabzi
polo with fish.
Maybe some naan berenji.
We'll welcome our Iranian
American friends from across
the United States including
patriotic Iranian Americans
who serve here at
the White House.
The great poet, Fereydoon
Moshiri once wrote, "Open
the windows for the kind
breeze as celebrating the
birthday of the flowers.
And spring on each and every
branch next to each leaf has
lit candles."
Every year as President I
have taken this opportunity,
the hope of spring, to speak
directly to the people of
Iran about how we might open
a new window and begin a new
relationship between
our countries.
Now, for the first time in
decades, there's a chance
for a different future.
Over the years you've heard
me say that the United
States was prepared to
engage with Iran in a spirit
of mutual interest
and mutual respect.
Well, that's
exactly what we did.
In the last few years our
diplomats and nuclear
scientists sat down together
and negotiated face to face.
And last summer, along with
our international partners,
we reached the historic deal
on Iran's nuclear program.
Two months ago, Iran
fulfilled a key commitment
under that deal.
Iran is now rolled back key
parts of its nuclear program
and agreed to verification
measures to assure the world
that its nuclear program is
and will remain for
peaceful purposes.
In return the International
Community lifted certain
sanctions on Iran and Iran
gained access to money that
had been frozen overseas.
At the same time we
recognize Iran's right to
peaceful nuclear energy.
Consistent with Iran's
nuclear obligations.
It may take time for you,
the Iranian people to feel
the full benefits of the
lifting of these sanctions
of your daily lives but the
benefits are undeniable.
Iran now has the opportunity
to begin reintegrating
itself with the
global economy.
That means more trade and
investment which will mean
more jobs, including for
young Iranians who dream of
pursuing their careers and
making their mark on the world.
It will mean more access to
cutting edge technologies,
including information
technologies that can help
Iranian start ups.
It will mean more
opportunities for Iranians
to sell your exports
including textiles and
agricultural goods
to the world.
And I know that Americans
are eager to buy more of
your beautiful Persian
carpets, caviar, pistachios
and saffron.
More tourists will visit
historic sites like Shiraz,
Tabriz, and Isfahan.
And spend their money in
your shops and restaurants.
Iranians, including students
will have more opportunities
to travel and study abroad.
The nuclear deal was never
intended to resolve all of
the disputes between
our two nations.
And the Unites states
continues to have profound
differences with the
Iranian government.
But even as our two
governments continue to have
serious disagreements, the
fact that we are now talking
to each other on a regular
basis for the first time in
decades gives us an
opportunity, a window, to
resolve other issues.
As we do, I firmly believe
that we can continue to
expand the connections
between the American and
Iranian people.
This week I'm making a
historic visit to Cuba.
For decades our two
governments were locked
in conflict.
Not long ago, my visit to
Havana would have
been unthinkable.
This week, I'll focus on how
we can build more trade and
ties between
our two peoples.
My visit will be a reminder
that even after decades of
mistrust, it is possible for
old adversaries to start
down a new path.
Open the windows.
For the kind breeze is
celebrating the birthday of
the flowers.
And spring on each and every
branch connects to each
leaf, has lit candles.
As you and your families the
spring this Nowruz, I wish
you a happy, healthy, and
prosperous new year and I
hope that the friendship and
ties between the American
and Iranian people
will continue to grow.
Thank you.
And Nowruzapan Pirooz!
