Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension'

U.S. President Barack Obama has offered Iran a "practical solution" if it truly seeks peaceful nuclear capabilities rather than weapons. In a video to the Iranian people, Mr Obama urged Iran to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community. He said Iranians had paid a "high and unnecessary price" for Tehran's "unwillingness" to satisfy concerns. Mr Obama's message marked the Persian new year, Nowruz. International powers suspect Iran of seeking to develop nuclear weapons - a charge Iran strongly denies. Iran insists its purposes are purely civilian, asserting it needs enriched uranium to make medical isotopes. "Iran's leaders say that their nuclear program is for medical research and electricity," Mr Obama said. "To date, however, they have been unable to convince the international community that their nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. "Now is the time for the Iranian government to take immediate and meaningful steps to reduce tensions and work toward an enduring, long-term settlement of the nuclear issue." He said increased trade and better ties with other nations would benefit the Iranian people, but warned proceeding on the current path would result in deeper isolation. The president's annual Nowruz message comes ahead of a visit to the Middle East on Wednesday. In Mr Obama's upcoming visit to Israel and Jordan - his first trip there as president - Iran is expected to be high on the agenda. His closely-watched visit could set the tone of foreign policy in the region for his second term, analysts say. Last month, the US tightened its sanctions on Iran, restricting the country's access to its own oil revenues and imposing financial restrictions against Iran's state-run media.