US/Iran

Tehran cool on Obama bid for better relations

Article published on the 2009-03-20 Latest update 2009-03-20 14:19 TU

US President Barack Obama in his video message to the Iranian people
(Photo: Reuters)

Iranian officials say they want action, not words, in response to a goodwill video by US President Barack Obama marking Nowruz, the Iranian New Year. Obama said that he wants “greater opportunities for partnerships” with the Iranian people but added that they had responsibilities, too.

“The United States wants the Islamic Republic of Iran to take its rightful place in the community of nations,” Obama said. “You have that right, but it comes with real responsibilities."

Obama has been looking to repair the relationship with Iran, as the dispute over its nuclear programme, which started under President George Bush, rumbles on under his presidency.

But Iranian government spokespeople say that Tehran cannot just forget about what they see as the Washington's aggressive attitude towards the country. While some analysts question whether Obama’s speech marks a change in attitude at all.

“Afterwards people realise that there is no change, and there is going to be no change, because the same old policy is being followed by Mr Obama,” says Hamid Najafi, Managing Editor of Kayhan International.

A number of incidents over the years have created tension between the two countries.

“It was previously said that the United States should apologise for the past errors committed against this nation,” Najafi told RFI.

In 1953 the US was involved in a plot to overthrow Iran’s Prime Minister Mohammad Mossadeq. In 1988 the US shot down an Iranian passenger plane, killing all 290 people on board. And since 2005 and the continuation of Iran’s nuclear programme, the US has sought international sanctions against the Islamic Republic.

Obama’s address is timed to mark the first day of spring and the beginning of the Iranian year.

“So on the occasion of your new year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek," he said. "It’s a future with renewed exchanges among our people and greater opportunities for partnerships and commerce.

“It’s a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbours, in the wider world, can live in greater security and greater peace."

But Najafi says that Washington must stop "acting as a sole superpower, talking to a smaller power".

"That will never be tolerated by this nation,” he told RFI. “I think that Mr Obama has sent the message at the wrong time, all the people are preparing for the year of change, nobody pays attention to politics."

The EU has welcomed Obama’s video message, saying it marks a “new chapter” in international relations with Tehran.

“I think it is a very constructive message,” said EU foreign policy chief, Javier Solana.

France's former ambassador to Iran, François Nicoullaud, told RFI that using the term Islamic Republic of Iran is itself, a significant change in policy for the US.