Obama offers Iran a fresh start

President Barack Obama has offered a "new beginning" in relations between America and Iran in an extraordingary video message to Iran's people and leaders.

The message, which was aired early today on selected networks in the Middle East, carried Farsi subtitles and urged the two countries to resolve their long-standing differences. It was released to coinicide with the festival of Nowruz, which means "new day", marking the arrival of spring.

"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," stated Obama in the unprecedented message.

Relations between Iran and the US have been strained over Tehran's controversial nuclear activities.

The US fears Iran's uranium enrichment programme is a cover to build atomic weapons, a charge Iranian officials deny.

Obama has signaled a willingness to "speak directly" with Iran about its nuclear program and hostility toward Israel, a key US ally. The move represents a major shift away from the isolationist policy toward the Islamic state pursued by George Bush,

At his inauguration in January, 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."