Iran's Rouhani warns Macron of looming nuclear step

TEHERAN - Iranian President Hassan Rouhani spoke with French counterpart Emmanuel Macron on Saturday, warning him Iran would take the next step in reducing its nuclear commitments unless Europe lives up to its own undertakings.

Tensions have spiked in the Gulf since May last year when US President Donald Trump unilaterally withdrew the United States from a nuclear deal between Iran and world powers - known formally as the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, or JCPOA.

Ships have been attacked, drones downed and oil tankers seized in the Gulf in recent months.