French President Emmanuel Macron is urging Iran to respect its nuclear obligations during a phone conversation with President Hassan Rouhani, whilst adding that the international community must come together to combat the novel coronavirus pandemic.

Axar.az reports that Rouhani's office said the Iranian president had called for support with COVID-19 after the United States blocked an IMF loan to help fight the virus as officials say over 3,600 have died so far in the country.

"He hoped that Iran would turn to the respect of its nuclear obligations, refrain from taking new measures contrary to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and contribute to the easing of regional tensions," Elysee said in a statement.

"Without join global cooperation and exchange of our experiences, we cannot master this critical phase," Rouhani said.