Macron: Ball on nuclear deal now in Iran's camp

The ball on reaching a nuclear deal with Iran is now in Tehran's camp, French President Emmanuel Macron told journalists on Tuesday after a meeting with Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi.

Macron also emphasized the need for the International Atomic Energy Agency to be able to carry out its work independently.

The meeting is Raisi's first head-to-head with a major Western leader since he was elected last year.

"What we have witnessed since February 24 is a return to the age of imperialism and colonies. France refuses this and will work persistently for peace," he told the UN General Assembly.

"Who is a hegemon now if not Russia?" he asked.

Macron addressed the General Assembly hours after Russian allies said they would call referendums on annexation in occupied parts of Ukraine, a move denounced by Western powers.

European countries and the United States have imposed sweeping sanctions on Russia but a number of developing nations have sought more of a middle ground and fear that the Ukraine crisis is overshadowing other concerns.

"Those who are silent now on this new imperialism, or are secretly complicit with it, show a new cynicism that is tearing down the global order without which peace is not possible," Macron said.