Obama prepared to move forward on Iran

CAIRO, June 4 (UPI) -- The United States wants move forward in its relationship with Iran, but overcoming "decades of mistrust" will be difficult, U.S. President Barack Obama said.

"I have made it clear to Iran's leaders and people that my country is prepared to move forward," Obama said in a speech delivered at Cairo University. "It will be hard to overcome decades of mistrust, but we will proceed with courage, rectitude and resolve."

Any nation, including Iran, should have the right to access peaceful nuclear power as long as it complies with the Non-Proliferation Treaty, Obama said.

"It is clear to all concerned that when it comes to nuclear weapons, we have reached a decisive point," Obama said. "This is ... about preventing a nuclear arms race in the Middle East that could lead this region and the world down a hugely dangerous path."

He said he understands the protests made by some countries about who has and who doesn't have a nuclear arsenal.

That is why I strongly reaffirm America's commitment to seek a world in which no nations hold nuclear weapons," Obama said to a round of applause.