Khamenei dismisses Obama overtures

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Saturday dismissed overtures from US President Barack Obama, saying Teheran does not see any change in American policy toward its government.
An Iranian woman watches US...

An Iranian woman watches US President Barack Obama's new video message addressed to the Iranian people at her home in Teheran, Iran, Friday.
Photo: AP
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Khamenei's comments were the first top level reaction to Obama's video message to Iran on the occasion of Nowruz, the Persian New Year.

Speaking to tens of thousands of people in the holy city of Mashhad, Khamenei asked how Obama could congratulate Iranians on the New Year while the US continues to accuse the country of supporting terrorism and seeking nuclear weapons.

On Friday, lower level officials in Iran remained defiant in the face of Obama's video address.

Iranian Energy Minister Pervez Fatah said Teheran welcomes Obama's greetings but would nevertheless push on with its nuclear program.

Fatah said that the Bushehr nuclear facility would begin operations this year and reiterated that it was intended solely for peaceful purposes. He also said Iran would reveal further progress in its nuclear program within 20 days, but did not elaborate.

An adviser to Ahmadinejad said Iran would be willing to "forget the rash behavior" of the United States in the past 60 years if the Americans would change their attitude to Iran in the future.

Earlier Friday, Obama told Iran's people and leaders that the United States wants to engage with their country and end decades of strained relationship, but not unless their officials stop making threats.

In a video message with Farsi subtitles that was timed to the Iranian festival of Nowruz, Obama urged the two countries to resolve their long-standing differences.

"So in this season of new beginnings I would like to speak clearly to Iran's leaders," Obama said in the video. "We have serious differences that have grown over time. My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties among the United States, Iran and the international community."

The US president went on to warn Teheran that "This process will not be advanced by threats. We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect."

Obama stressed that Iran is facing a crucial choice, and urged the Islamic republic to denounce terror and arms.

"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 comes with real responsibilities, and that place cannot be reached through terror or arms, but rather through peaceful actions that demonstrate the true greatness of the Iranian people and civilization," Obama said in the video.

Obama has signaled a willingness to speak directly with Iran about its nuclear program and hostility toward Israel, a key US ally.

At his inauguration last month, the president said his administration would reach out to rival states, declaring "we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist

 
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