President Barack Obama on Wednesday said he wants the US and Iran to move beyond the “path of sustained suspicion, mistrust and confrontation” that followed the seize of American Embassy in Tehran by militants 30 years ago.
He said his administration seeks relationship with Iran based on mutual respect and interest and made it clear that the US has no interest in interfering in the internal affairs of the country.
“I have made it clear that the United States of America wants to move beyond this past, and seeks a relationship with the Islamic Republic of Iran based upon mutual interests and mutual respect.
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“We do not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs,” Mr. Obama said in a statement, that was also made available in Persian language, issued on the occasion of 30th anniversary of the seize of US Embassy in Tehran.
“The 444 days that began on November 4, 1979 deeply affected the lives of courageous Americans who were unjustly held hostage, and we owe these Americans and their families our gratitude for their extraordinary service and sacrifice.
“This event helped set the United States and Iran on a path of sustained suspicion, mistrust, and confrontation,” Mr. Obama said.
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Noting that the US does not interfere in Iran’s internal affairs, he said his Administration has condemned terrorist attacks against Iran.
“We have recognised Iran’s international right to peaceful nuclear power. We have demonstrated our willingness to take confidence-building steps along with others in the international community,” he said in the statement.
“We have accepted a proposal by the International Atomic Energy Agency to meet Iran’s request for assistance in meeting the medical needs of its people.
“We have made clear that if Iran lives up to the obligations that every nation has, it will have a path to a more prosperous and productive relationship with the international community,” Mr. Obama said, adding that Iran must choose.
He said it is time for the Iranian government to decide whether it wants to focus on the past, or whether it will make the choices that will open the door to greater opportunity, prosperity, and justice for its people.