Iran-US animosity grows year after Obama message

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TEHRAN, Mar 20 (AFP): Twelve months ago US President Barack Obama's historic new year message to Iran was meant to usher in a new era between the two arch-foes, but since then the atmosphere has become even more poisoned.
What had been touted as a new chapter between Washington and Tehran after three decades of animosity has developed into a tense stand-off, with Obama pushing for fresh sanctions in response to Iran's defiant nuclear drive.
On Saturday, Obama blamed Iran for ignoring US efforts as he delivered his annual message marking the Nowruz new year.
"Over the course of the last year, it is the Iranian government that has chosen to isolate itself, and to choose a self-defeating focus on the past over a commitment to build a better future," Obama said.