U.S., French leaders urge Iran to narrow gaps in nuke talks

U.S. President Barack Obama and his French counterpart Francois Hollande on Friday called for Iran to take steps to iron out differences with the major world powers for a nuclear framework deal.

In a conversation over the phone, the two leaders "reaffirmed their commitment to achieving a long-term comprehensive deal that fully and verifiably addresses the international community's concerns about Iran's nuclear program," the White House said in a statement.

It said the presidents agreed that "Iran must take steps to resolve several remaining issues."

Washington and its Western allies suspect Iran is seeking to develop nuclear weapons, while the Islamic republic insists its nuclear program is solely for power generation and medical purposes.

Britain, France, Russia, the United States, China plus Germany - - the major powers comprising the so-called P5+1 group -- have been negotiating with Iran toward a comprehensive deal ever since November 2013, when Tehran agreed to suspend some nuclear activities in return for eased sanctions under an interim deal.

They are aiming for a framework deal by the end of this month and a comprehensive one at the end of June, and are scheduled to resume their talks next week after suspending the latest round held in the Swiss city of Lausanne Friday for the Iranians to celebrate Nowruz, or the Persian New Year.

In a video message released Thursday to mark Nowruz, Obama, while acknowledging "gaps" remaining despite progress made, called on Iranian leaders not to miss a "historic opportunity" to reach a reasonable nuclear deal, warning that otherwise such a moment "may not come again soon." Endite