Iran announced on Wednesday it was relaxing some curbs to its nuclear programme, announcing steps that stop short of violating its 2015 deal with world powers for now, but threatening more action if countries do not shield it from U.S. sanctions.
France said it was determined to ensure that the accord remained fully implemented and determined to ensure that financial channels and exports remain open.
The United States said it was not finished imposing sanctions on Iran and planned more "very soon". It warned Europe against doing business with Tehran via a system of non-dollar trade to circumvent U.S. sanctions.