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Iran, France talk of 'new era' in relations after historic nuclear deal with world powers

Associated Press
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Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, right, and his French counterpart Laurent Fabius shake hands for media prior to their round of talks in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Iran's state media say French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius's visit to Iran is the start of a 'new era' in bilateral relations following a historic nuclear deal with world powers earlier this month. Fabius said Wednesday the time has come for Iran and France to warm up their relations, calling his visit "an important trip."(AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) (The Associated Press)

French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius speaks during a joint press conference with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Fabius said Wednesday the time has come for Iran and France to warm up their relations, calling his visit "an important trip." (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) (The Associated Press)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, right, welcomes his French counterpart Laurent Fabius for their meeting, in Tehran, Iran, Wednesday, July 29, 2015. Fabius said Wednesday the time has come for Iran and France to warm up their relations, calling his visit "an important trip." (AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi) (The Associated Press)

Iran's state media say French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius' visit to Iran is the start of a "new era" in bilateral relations following a historic nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers reached earlier this month.

Fabius said Wednesday the time has come for Iran and France to warm up their relations, calling his visit "an important trip."

However, his visit has been marred by protests from hard-liners who call him "the obstacle" because of France's tough position in the talks.

Fabius visit to Iran is the first by a top French diplomat in more than a decade. His visit comes a day after European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini visited Tehran amid new hopes for better ties between Iran and Europe.