Obama tells Iranian leaders US seeks 'constructive' relations

Washington: US President Barack Obama Obama on Friday urged Iranian leaders to show the country's "true greatness" by opting for peace over "terror or arms" and forging new diplomatic ties with the US and the world.

"We have serious differences that have grown over time," Obama told Iran's leaders in a video message released by the administration.

"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," he said.

Obama, who campaigned on a pledge to seek engagement with US foes, said the effort to re-establish relations won't be "advanced by threats."

The US and Iran are entangled in a dispute over the Persian Gulf nation's nuclear program, which the US contends is a cover for developing weapons.

Iran denies that the program has military aims, saying it's trying to produce more electricity for a growing population.

The US broke diplomatic ties with Iran almost three decades ago after Iranian militants held 52 Americans hostage in Tehran for 444 days.

"We seek instead engagement that is honest and grounded in mutual respect," said Obama, who timed his message to the ancient festival of Nowruz, the new year holiday that originated in Iran.

"On the occasion of your New Year, I want you, the people and leaders of Iran, to understand the future that we seek," Obama said.

"It's a future with renewed exchanges among our people, and greater opportunities for partnership and commerce" and "greater security and greater peace."

The video is being distributed to news outlets in the region in English with Farsi subtitles. It was billed as an unconventional attempt to get the attention of Iranians and their leaders.

In it, Obama praised Iran's "great and celebrated culture."

'Great civilisation'

"We know that you are a great civilisation, and your accomplishments have earned the respect of the United States and the world," Obama said.

The US president said he knows it will be difficult to move beyond the conflicts.

"There are those who insist that we be defined by our differences," Obama said.

"But let us remember the words that were written by the poet Saadi, so many years ago: "The children of Adam are limbs to each other, having been created of one essence," he said, referring to the medieval poet.

Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said last month that his country is waiting for the US to show "signs of real change" under the Obama administration, calling it "a necessity" for improving relations between the two countries.

Obama repeatedly has said he is prepared to engage in talks with Iranian officials to try to solve differences, in particular over Iran's nuclear activities.