Europeans want to revive Iran nuclear diplomacy with Iran, says France

France, Britain and Germany want to re-open the door of diplomacy with Iran over its contested nuclear programme, France's foreign ministry spokesperson said on Thursday.

Spokesperson Pascal Confavreux told reporters that despite the Europeans pushing for the return of United Nations sanctions in September, those three powers had always wanted to maintain dialogue with Iran.

Three diplomats have said the powers are hoping to hold talks with Iran before the end of the year, although it is not clear whether Tehran is open to them in the immediate term.