(VOVworld) – Washington has pledged to continue seeking a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue.

Washing has pledged to continue seeking a diplomatic solution to the Iran nuclear issue. (Photo: AP)

US President Barack Obama made the statement on Thursday in his New Year message to the Iranian people. Mr Obama said Iran still has an opportunity to reach a nuclear agreement if it takes meaningful and reliable steps to assure the world its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes only. He called on Tehran to use the nuclear talks with the P5+1 group to end Iran’s economic isolation. Obama said Iran’s economic hardships in recent years have been a punishment for its leaders’ choices. The West will loosen its sanctions if Iran complies with its international commitments to create mutual trust for cooperation.