In Greeting to Iranian People, Trump Leaves Out Their Government
By MARK LANDLERMARCH 23, 2017
WASHINGTON — When President Trump sent greetings to the Iranian people on Wednesday for the Persian New Year, or Nowruz, it offered a glimpse into an administration
that is still debating how to deal with a country that Mr. Trump has painted as an implacable foe.
that It is an occasion to celebrate new beginnings, a sentiment
that is particularly meaningful for so many Iranians who have come to our country in recent decades to make a new start in a free land.
Hard-liners in the White House first tried to kill the message, and when
that failed, stripped it of references to engaging with the Iranian government or a future in which Iran and the United States might peacefully coexist.
Ray Takeyh said that The Nowruz messages have historically been occasions when the White House limits itself to good year wishes,
Unlike President Barack Obama, who used his first Nowruz message in 2009 to extend an olive
branch to Tehran, Mr. Trump demonstrated no interest in engaging with Iran’s leadership.
Dennis said that This is a message designed to put the regime on the defensive,
"It was during the Obama administration that they were infused with political content,
as the White House was searching for ways to reach out to the Iranian government.