Donald Trump. President Donald Trump attends the annual St. Patrick's Day luncheon at the Capitol in Washington, Wednesday, March 12, 2025. J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo
President Donald Trump has marked Nowruz, the Persian New Year, with a message of goodwill, acknowledging the occasion's deep cultural significance while tensions between Washington and Tehran remain high.
His statement, released by the White House, celebrates Nowruz as a time of renewal and optimism, even as his administration continues to exert "maximum pressure" on Iran over its nuclear program.
Newsweek has reaches out to Iran's foreign ministry for comment via email.
Why It Matters
Trump's Nowruz message arrives at a pivotal moment in U.S.-Iran relations, as diplomatic and economic confrontations persist. With Iran rejecting any sort of dialogue with Washington under current conditions, the possibility of diplomatic breakthroughs remains uncertain.
What to Know
In his White House statement, Trump called Nowruz a "joyous occasion for the Persian people, marking the beginning of spring, and the Persian New Year." He emphasized the holiday's longstanding traditions and the opportunity it provides.
The ancient festival of Nowruz is Iran's most important holiday and it is also celebrated in more than ten countries in the region, including Afghanistan, and Tajikistan.
Non-Political Message
Some analysts believe that cultural acknowledgments like these may help foster greater understanding between the two nations, even if only temporarily.
"The absence of politics in President Trump's message is notable. During Trump's first term, he used Nowruz messages to issue threats towards Iran and Iranians," Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow, Center for International Policy told Newsweek. "However, this new message is more in line with the themes of Nowruz; one of peace and reconciliation and away from politics. I think this is by design." she added
Trump's Letter to Iran
Despite his warm Nowruz message, Trump has taken a firm stance on U.S.-Iran relations. He sent a letter to Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, outlining conditions for de-escalation, including the dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, restrictions on missile development, and an end to Tehran's support for regional armed groups. While Trump has expressed a preference for diplomacy, he has also reiterated that military options remain on the table.
Khamenei Rejects U.S. Negotiations
Khamenei has repeatedly dismissed the possibility of direct talks under the current U.S. policy. His refusal to engage with Washington highlights the deep-seated mistrust between the two nations and suggests that cultural exchanges, such as Nowruz celebrations, may do little to bridge the growing divide.
In a separate Nowruz message, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, called for improving relation with neighbouring countries and other nations in the world.
In this photo released by the Iranian Presidency Office, President Masoud Pezeshkian addresses the nation in a televised speech marking the Iranian New Year, called Nowruz, in Tehran, Iran, Thursday, March 20, 2025.Iranian Presidency Office/AP Photo
What People Are Saying
U.S. President Donald Trump stated: "Nowruz is a joyous occasion for the Persian people, marking the beginning of spring, and the Persian New Year."
Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow, Center for International Policy told Newsweek : "If President Trump wants successful diplomacy with Iran, he should pivot away from the language of threats and maximum pressure, and adopt this conciliatory rhetoric."
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said: "I hope that in this New Year, we will witness a profound transformation in the friendly relations between our countries and improvements in the lives of our nations."
What Happens Next
As tensions persist, global attention remains on U.S.-Iran negotiations and whether any diplomatic breakthroughs can emerge. While cultural diplomacy has the potential to soften hostilities, the reality of ongoing economic sanctions and military threats suggests that a resolution remains elusive.
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This story was originally published March 20, 2025 at 12:09 PM.