France, July 1 -- A diplomatic rift is deepening between Iran and Western powers following Tehran's suspension of cooperation with the UN nuclear watchdog and rising tensions over its director's safety.

French President Emmanuel Macron brought diplomatic urgency to the fore during a recent phone call with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, urging Tehran to respect the ceasefire with Israel and resume cooperation with the IAEA.

Macron called for a return to negotiations addressing both ballistic missile and nuclear concerns, while pressing for "the swift resumption of the IAEA's work in Iran to ensure full transparency."

President Pezeshkian has defended Iran's decision to halt cooperation with the IAEA, blaming what he described as t...