On March 20, President Obama released a video message to the people of Iran celebrating Nowruz. Translated “New Day,” Nowruz marks the arrival of spring and beginning of the New Year for millions of Iranians. The President acknowledged the strain in U.S.-Iranian relations over the last few decades. “But at this holiday we are reminded of the common humanity that binds us together,” he said. Committing his administration to a future of honest and respectful diplomacy, he said, “I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek. It’s a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce. It’s a future where the old divisions are overcome, where you and all of your neighbors and the wider world can live in greater security and greater peace.”

Read the full transcript of Obama’s remarks