Rouhani urges Macron to ‘accelerate’ efforts to save Iran nuclear deal

Iran’s President Hassan Rouhani urged Europe on Thursday to “accelerate” its efforts to salvage the 2015 nuclear deal, during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron.

“Europe must accelerate its efforts to realize Iran’s legitimate interests and bring about a ceasefire (in Washington’s) economic war” against Iran, Rouhani told Macron, according to the government’s official website.

Iran is determined to “leave all doors open” to save its 2015 nuclear deal with major powers, Iranian state TV quoted President Hassan Rouhani as saying.

“We are determined to leave all doors open to save the nuclear deal ... The Europeans should accelerate their efforts to salvage the pact,” Rouhani said.

European parties to the deal have been trying to convince Iran to remain in the pact by promising to shield its economic interests from US sanctions that were reimposed since last year when US President Donald Trump exited the deal.