French and Iranian leaders discuss ways to strengthen bilateral relations

Inside a uranium enrichment facility in Iran. (Illustration photo. Source: AFP)

Iran's IRNA news agency said the phone call between President Ebrahim Raisi and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron lasted 90 minutes.

The two leaders discussed ways to strengthen bilateral relations, the nuclear deal negotiations, and regional development plans. They also agreed on a roadmap for discussions on these issues.

The move comes as the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) previously released a report showing progress in cooperation between the agency and Iranian authorities.

However, the IAEA also stressed that Iran has significantly increased its stockpile of enriched uranium in recent months.

As of May 13, Tehran's enriched uranium stockpile was nearly 4,750 kg, far exceeding the 202.8 kg limit set in the 2015 nuclear deal.

Iran has always maintained that the Islamic Republic's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes and is not aimed at developing nuclear weapons.

The IAEA complained about Iran's lack of cooperation with the agency in late 2022. In November 2022, the IAEA passed a resolution asking Iran to cooperate in investigating nuclear traces at several undeclared facilities.

Iran has denied the allegations and maintained the peaceful nature of its nuclear program.