TEHRAN: President Ebrahim Raisi of Iran and his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron, engaged in a lengthy phone conversation on Saturday to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral ties, as reported by Iran’s state media.
The discussion between the two leaders focused on promoting relations, ongoing negotiations, and regional developments, according to Mohammad Jamshidi, Deputy Chief of Staff to President Raisi, who shared the information in a tweet.
Jamshidi stated that both leaders agreed on a roadmap for engagement during the 90-minute call. The conversation takes place against the backdrop of the 2015 nuclear accord between Iran and world powers, which granted Iran relief from international sanctions in exchange for restrictions on its nuclear program.
Efforts to Revive Iran Nuclear Deal
However, the United States (US) unilaterally withdrew from the agreement in 2018 and re-imposed sanctions, leading Iran to suspend its own commitments related to nuclear activities, including uranium enrichment.
Efforts to revive the nuclear deal have so far been unsuccessful. However, the call between Presidents Raisi and Macron follows a recent report from the UN nuclear watchdog indicating progress in Iran’s cooperation with the agency. As a result, the file on the discovery of nuclear material at an undeclared site, a longstanding issue that has strained relations between Iran and the international community, has been closed.
While acknowledging Iran’s improved cooperation, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) also highlighted Iran’s significant increase in its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months. As of May 13, Iran’s total stockpile was estimated at 4,744.5 kilograms (10,459 pounds), surpassing the limit set by the 2015 nuclear deal of 202.8 kilograms.
Iran has consistently denied seeking nuclear weapons and maintains that its nuclear activities are solely for peaceful purposes. The phone call between Presidents Raisi and Macron provides an opportunity for dialogue and diplomacy to address the complex issues surrounding Iran’s nuclear program and pave the way for potential resolutions in the future.
