Rise of Iran hardliners threatens nuclear diplomacy, Europe warned

Improved economic deal could strengthen hand of Tehran's reformists, says report

European diplomats are being urged to restart shuttle diplomacy with Iran after the US presidential election in November or risk Tehran hardliners gaining still wider control of Iran's many layers of government and its economy.

The European 3 (E3) - Germany, France and the UK - managed to maintain their unity at a meeting on Friday at which they agreed to keep the nuclear deal alive, oppose a US plan for the snapback of sanctions and possibly limit the lifting of the UN conventional arms embargo on Iran due to take place in the autumn.