President Barack Obama says a nuclear agreement with Iran can open up “new possibilities and prosperity” for the Iranian people.

Obama’s comments come in his annual videotaped message to Iranians marking the Persian new year, Nowruz (noh-ROOZ’). This year’s message coincides with nuclear negotiations between the U.S., Iran and five other world powers.

Obama says reaching a final nuclear agreement “will be difficult.” But he says he’s committed to diplomacy because he believes there is a basis for a “practical solution” to the nuclear dispute.

The president says Iran would retain access to “peaceful nuclear energy” under a final agreement. He says a deal would also mean more economic growth and jobs for Iranians, as well as more opportunities for Iranian students to travel abroad.

(AP)