President Barack Obama speaks in the State Dining Room at the White House Saturday Nov. 23, 2013, in Washington about the nuclear deal between six world powers and Iran that calls on Tehran to limit its nuclear activities in return for sanctions relief.Key dates in the Obama administration’s contacts with Iran:
January 2009: President Barack Obama, in his first inaugural address, suggests a willingness to open contacts with Iran and other untrusted governments. “To those who cling to power through corruption and deceit and the silencing of dissent, know that you are on the wrong side of history, but that we will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist.”
March 2009: Obama records a video message to Iranians to mark their New Year’s celebration. Calls for a “new beginning” in the countries’ relationship. The White House has released similar messages each year since.
June 2009: Hard-line Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmedinejad wins a second term in disputed election that sparks the ill-fated “Green Revolution.” Obama administration criticized for not reacting more assertively to violent crackdown on protests.
July 2009: Iran detains three American hikers, one woman and two men, who enter Iranian territory from Iraq. Obama administration begins back-channel efforts through Oman and its leader, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, to free them.