Macron calls on Rouhani to take “clear and immediate initiatives”

France announced that European countries will present to the International Atomic Energy Agency a draft resolution condemning Iran’s suspension of some inspections related to its nuclear program, in parallel with a phone call called by French President Emmanuel Macron and his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani.

Today, French Chancellor Jean-Yves Le Drian told the Foreign Affairs Committee of the French National Assembly that the decision “will push us in the coming days to protest within the framework of the Board of Governors of the International Atomic Energy Agency.”

This came when Macron called on Iran to come up with “clear and immediate initiatives” that will allow for the resumption of dialogue on the nuclear deal. A statement from the “Elysee Palace” stated that Macron had expressed to Rouhani his “grave concern” over Iran’s suspension of its nuclear obligations.

For his part, Rouhani confirmed Macron Iran’s position to reject “again the negotiations” on the nuclear agreement, and assured him that “the only way to preserve and revive it is to lift the US sanctions.” Rouhani warned against “losing the opportunity to preserve the nuclear deal” and for the board of scholars of the International Atomic Energy Agency to take any steps or adopt a “non-constructive” position, after Iran suspended the “additional protocol”.

The European Troika had submitted to the Council of Elders a draft resolution expressing its “grave concern” over the reduction of Iran’s cooperation with international inspectors and calling for the “immediate resumption” of all inspection programs stipulated in the nuclear deal. Iran responded by warning of “adverse consequences that could quickly close windows of opportunity” if measures are taken that “contradict our expectations.”