France, Sept. 13 -- Iran and the UN's nuclear watchdog have agreed on a fresh framework to resume cooperation after months of strained ties - though both sides admit more work is needed before international inspectors can return to Iranian facilities.

The deal, announced in the Egyptian capital Cairo earlier this week, comes three months after a brief but intense 12-day conflict with Israel left several Iranian nuclear facilities damaged by Israeli and US strikes.

Since then, International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) inspectors have been largely locked out of Iran.

IAEA director general Rafael Grossi struck a cautiously optimistic tone on Wednesday, telling the agency's board of governors that the new "technical document" covers all Ir...