Netanyahu extends festive greetings to Iran for Nowruz celebrations

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently extended greetings to the people of Iran on the occasion of the upcoming Nowruz holidays, which mark the beginning of the Persian new year, amidst his country's ongoing conflict with Iran.

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Netanyahu expressed his wishes on Monday, referencing the ancient Iranian festival of light and fire, Chaharshanbe Suri, which is celebrated on Wednesday, and signifies the triumph of light over darkness and good over evil.

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In a message delivered in English with Farsi subtitles, Netanyahu conveyed his hopes for the Iranian people, stating that this year's holiday holds special significance and wishing them a happy Nowruz, which will be celebrated on Friday, and a year of freedom.

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Netanyahu has consistently recorded video messages for the Iranian people in recent years, particularly addressing opponents of the Islamic republic's clerical leadership, in an effort to reach out to them.

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During a televised press conference on March 7, Netanyahu urged the Iranian people to liberate themselves from what he described as "the yoke of tyranny", suggesting that this would pave the way for Israel and Iran to reestablish a strong friendship.

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On November 7, 2025, Turkey announced that it had issued arrest warrants for genocide against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and senior officials within his government.

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Earlier, on February 7, 2025, Netanyahu had met with US Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, where he also spoke to the press.