Rouhani, Macron Talk on Phone

The French government has strived to make it possible for its banks and businesses to better link up with Iran, President Emmanuel Macron told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani in a phone conversation on Tuesday.

“Paris is ready to strengthen relations with Tehran in all sectors,” Macron said, adding that the European nation is committed to the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and the six world powers. He called on all signatories of the landmark agreement to do their best to preserve the deal, IRNA reported.

The French leader also invited Rouhani to take part in a climate conference in Paris next month.

Rouhani said the “full implementation” of the nuclear deal, officially known as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, is and will be an important test for future international cooperation. He went on to say that any amendments, addition or omission pertaining to the historic agreement would lead to its disintegration.

Tensions in relations between Tehran and Paris emerged recently after the latter made unhelpful remarks about Iran’s ballistic missile program.

Iran says its missile program is defensive and unrelated to the agreement it signed with the world powers on curbing its nuclear energy program.