ROUGH CUT (NO REPORTER NARRATION)

President Barack Obama sent a video message to Iranians on Thursday to say there is a chance to reach a nuclear agreement with Iran if Tehran takes verifiable steps to assure the West its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only.

(SOUNDBITE) (English) UNITED STATES PRESIDENT BARACK OBAMA SAYING:

"As you and your families gather around the Nowruz table, I want to extend my best wishes on this new spring and new year. As always, this holiday is a chance to give gratitude for your blessings and to reflect on our hopes for the year ahead. As I have every year as President, I want to take this opportunity to speak directly to the people and leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Since taking office, I've offered the Iranian government an opportunity-if it meets its international obligations, then there could be a new relationship between our two countries, and Iran could begin to return to its rightful place among the community of