US and Iran have one month to start negotiations

French President Emmanuel Macron tried, but failed to mediate talks between US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani in New York last week.

“We consider these initiatives, which were not successful, are still on the table, and it is up to Iran and the United States to use them in a relatively short time because Iran has announced new measures to reduce its commitments stemming from the” nuclear agreement, said Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian.

Iran has been violating the restrictions of the 2015 nuclear agreement with world powers, step by step, in response to established US sanctions since Washington withdrew from the deal in May of last year.

Iran has said that the next actions, contrary to the agreement, will take place in early November, and diplomats fear that this move could force European powers to respond.

“These measures are at risk of leading to a new period of tension and new escalation, so we must take advantage of the political space that exists to move forward”, said Minister Le Drian.

Washington has repeatedly said it is prepared to hold talks with Iran on a broader deal, arguing that its harsh economic sanctions would force Iran to sit at the negotiating table.

Tehran, however, has ruled out talks until US sanctions are lifted, while continuing to expand nuclear capacities.