France, July 19 -- French diplomats have added their weight to European efforts to convince Iranian authorities of the need to make progress on talks to moderate the country's nuclear programme.

Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi was told Europe would reactivate UN sanctions if Tehran does not make progress on a deal by the end of August.

A "snapback" mechanism - which allows for the reimposition of all international sanctions against Iran - could be deployed, said the French Foreign Ministry.

"It could be used In the absence of concrete progress towards a deal on the nuclear programme by the end of the summer," said a French Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

"Pressure is being appliedto convince Iran of the urgency of returning to t...