Economics

Iran, France Seek Conditions to Resume Nuclear Talks by Mid-July

  • Tehran could announce its next steps as early as Sunday
  • Move will add to pressure on Europe to restore its sanctions
Emmanuel Macron greets Hassan Rouhani in 2017.Photographer: Ludovic Marin/AFP via Getty Images
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France and Iran agreed to seek conditions by mid-July for the resumption of nuclear talks, presenting a potential diplomatic opening a day before the Islamic Republic was due to announce an acceleration in enrichment activities restricted under the landmark 2015 deal.

In a one-hour telephone call with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday night, French President Emmanuel Macron reinforced his concerns about the risks of a further weakening in the multiparty pact meant to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon. The Trump administration withdrew from the deal a year ago and reimposed sanctions on Iran’s economy and leaders, prompting it to scale back compliance and fueling concerns that the region was sliding toward war.