As Obama arrived in Israel, the White House released his annual videotaped message to the Iranian people on the Persian New Year of Nowruz. In his remarks, Obama said the onus is on the Iranian government to peacefully resolve the standoff over its nuclear activities.

President Obama: “If, as Iran’s leaders say, their nuclear program is for peaceful purposes, then there is a basis for a practical solution. It’s a solution that would give Iran access to peaceful nuclear energy while resolving once and for all the serious questions that the world has about the true nature of the Iranian nuclear program. The United States, alongside the rest of the international community, is ready to reach such a solution.”