Barack Obama said in a White House address to the nation after key aspects of a nuclear deal were implemented and US prisoners were released from Tehran.
Washington, United States:
President Barack Obama hailed a series of breakthroughs with Iran as a vindication of his contentious policy of engagement Sunday and called on young Iranians to take the next step in building new ties with the world.
"Today is a good day," Obama said in a White House address to the nation after key aspects of a nuclear deal were implemented and US prisoners were released from Tehran.
"For decades, our differences meant our governments almost never spoke to each other. Ultimately that did not advance America's interests," Obama said in comments aimed at a skeptical US public.
"We achieved this through diplomacy without resorting to another war in the Middle East."
His comments followed a momentous day that saw international inspectors confirm that Iran had hobbled a nuclear program that had been decades in the making, costly to build and the source of extreme national pride.
The United States responded by easing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy and frozen it out of the global economy.
The United States unblocked an estimated $100 billion of Iranian assets held abroad and settled a long-running international dispute that will see Iran get $1.7 billion directly from Washington.
Simultaneously, Washington and Tehran unveiled a prisoner swap deal that released high-profile American prisoners.
The detention of five Americans - including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian -- had been particularly contentious in the United States, an uncomfortable echo of the 1979 hostage crisis which severed relations.
"When Americans are freed, that's something we can all celebrate," Obama said.
"I've met with some of their families. I've seen their anguish. How they ache for their sons and husbands. I gave these families my word. I made a vow that we would do everything to win the release of their loved ones, and we have been tireless."
Unclear path ahead
Obama said that the United States would continue to have problems with the Iranian government's "destabilizing activities" in the region, including support for militant groups.
That has been a primary focus for Republicans who have been deeply critical of Obama's policy as the United States heads to elections in November.
Obama insisted the United States would "not waver" in defense of its security, or that of its allies and partners.
But there was also an olive branch to Iran's young and growing population.
"I do want to speak directly to the Iranian people," Obama said.
"Yours is a great civilization with a vibrant culture that has so much to contribute to the world in commerce and science and arts."
"For decades your government's threats and actions to destabilize the region have isolated Iran from much of the world. Now our governments are talking to each other."
"Following the nuclear deal, you, especially young Iranians, have the opportunity to build new ties with the world. We have a rare chance to pursue a new path."
Despite his call and increasing US contacts with Iranian officials -- including, it was revealed, with Iran's security community -- US officials remain cautious about the prospect of re-establishing formal diplomatic relations before Obama leaves office in a year's time.
"This will be a long-term proposition; Iran is not going to change dramatically in the next year or two years," said one senior administration official, citing Iran's actions across the region, including support for President Bashar al-Assad of Syria.
But, the official added, "we want to make sure that the door is open for Iran to make that choice."
"Today is a good day," Obama said in a White House address to the nation after key aspects of a nuclear deal were implemented and US prisoners were released from Tehran.
"For decades, our differences meant our governments almost never spoke to each other. Ultimately that did not advance America's interests," Obama said in comments aimed at a skeptical US public.
"We achieved this through diplomacy without resorting to another war in the Middle East."
His comments followed a momentous day that saw international inspectors confirm that Iran had hobbled a nuclear program that had been decades in the making, costly to build and the source of extreme national pride.
The United States responded by easing sanctions that have crippled Iran's economy and frozen it out of the global economy.
The United States unblocked an estimated $100 billion of Iranian assets held abroad and settled a long-running international dispute that will see Iran get $1.7 billion directly from Washington.
Simultaneously, Washington and Tehran unveiled a prisoner swap deal that released high-profile American prisoners.
The detention of five Americans - including Washington Post journalist Jason Rezaian -- had been particularly contentious in the United States, an uncomfortable echo of the 1979 hostage crisis which severed relations.
"When Americans are freed, that's something we can all celebrate," Obama said.
"I've met with some of their families. I've seen their anguish. How they ache for their sons and husbands. I gave these families my word. I made a vow that we would do everything to win the release of their loved ones, and we have been tireless."
Unclear path ahead
Obama said that the United States would continue to have problems with the Iranian government's "destabilizing activities" in the region, including support for militant groups.
That has been a primary focus for Republicans who have been deeply critical of Obama's policy as the United States heads to elections in November.
Obama insisted the United States would "not waver" in defense of its security, or that of its allies and partners.
But there was also an olive branch to Iran's young and growing population.
"I do want to speak directly to the Iranian people," Obama said.
"Yours is a great civilization with a vibrant culture that has so much to contribute to the world in commerce and science and arts."
"For decades your government's threats and actions to destabilize the region have isolated Iran from much of the world. Now our governments are talking to each other."
"Following the nuclear deal, you, especially young Iranians, have the opportunity to build new ties with the world. We have a rare chance to pursue a new path."
Despite his call and increasing US contacts with Iranian officials -- including, it was revealed, with Iran's security community -- US officials remain cautious about the prospect of re-establishing formal diplomatic relations before Obama leaves office in a year's time.
"This will be a long-term proposition; Iran is not going to change dramatically in the next year or two years," said one senior administration official, citing Iran's actions across the region, including support for President Bashar al-Assad of Syria.
But, the official added, "we want to make sure that the door is open for Iran to make that choice."
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