France opens door to strengthen Iran nuclear deal for post-2025

NEW YORK – France on Monday gave a staunch defense of the Iran nuclear deal, suggesting there could be talks to strengthen the pact for the post-2025 period but that allowing it to collapse could lead Iran's neighbors to seek atomic weapons.

"It is essential to maintain it to avoid proliferation. In this period when we see the risks with North Korea, we must maintain this line," French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian told reporters.

"France will try to convince President Trump of the pertinence of this choice (keeping the accord) even if work can be done to complement the accord (after 2025)," he said.