Obama’s Nowruz Message to Iranians: Positive But Not Enough

President Obama’s Nowruz message to Iranians might seem as a sign of change in Iran-U.S. relations. Unlike his predecessor, Barack Obama chose a respectful tone, not only to the Iranian people but also to the Iranian leaders,  and a less threatening language. In a part of his message he refereed to Saadi, a very prominent and popular Iranian poet of hundreds of years ago, which was received by many Iranians very positively. From the interview I did with Kazem Jalali just last week, you get the sense that Obama’s change of tone is not enough to be taken seriously by the Iranian leaders. They have asked for change in actions. Beyond Iranians conspiracy, I think it makes sense, they helped the United States in Afghanistan and received nothing but a membership to the Axis of Evil Club. Also, the United States has done everything to undermine Iran’s influence in the region, impose sanctions on Tehran’s economy and finally an aggressive attempt to overthrow the regime. On Iran’s side, Ayatollahs have not been friendly to Washington as well. They have intensely have used all their cards to make trouble for Americans in the Middle East. Here is Iran’s Supreme leader’s reaction to Obama’s message:

“They are talking of extending a hand to Iran on the occasion of the new year and they are congratulating the Iranian people,” Khamenei said. “At the same time, they are accusing Iran of terrorism and the manufacturing of nuclear weapons. We ask, have you lifted the unjust sanctions against the Iranian people and returned [Iranian] assets you hold? Have you retracted hostile propaganda against Iran?” (Read more)

In all, the mistrust wall is too high to be removed by cute, elegant and freindly speech. If the United States is going to solve its problem with Iranians they should think of doing something real. Obama’s eloquent tone is not enough to bring change in the U.S. foreign policy.