U.S. President Barack Obama issued an unprecedented videotaped appeal to Iran on Friday offering a "new beginning" of diplomatic engagement to turn the page on decades of U.S. policy toward America''s longtime foe.

"My administration is now committed to diplomacy that addresses the full range of issues before us, and to pursuing constructive ties," Obama said in a message released to select broadcast outlets in the Middle East timed for the Nowruz holiday celebration in Iran.

Obama went further than he has since taking office on January 20 in extending an olive branch to Tehran, which has been locked in disputes with Washington over its nuclear ambitions and its support for militant Islamic groups.