15:38

Josep Borrell, who started work as the EU’s foreign policy chief last month, has invited the Iranian foreign minister, Javad Zarif, for separate talks after a phone call over the weekend.

“It is up to the Iranian side to take up the invitation and proceed. I understand that there is interest on both sides to continue the mutual engagement,” a spokesman for Borrell said, when asked if the meeting would go ahead.

Even as commentators were reading the last rites for the Iran nuclear deal, the EU is seeking to keep alive the agreement it helped secure in 2015.

In a tweet Borrell said he deeply regretted Iran’s latest announcement on the deal, adding: “Full implementation of nuclear deal by all is now more important than ever, for regional stability and global security. I will continue working with all participants on way forward.”

Josep Borrell Fontelles (@JosepBorrellF) Deeply regret Iran’s latest announcement on #JCPOA. As ever we will rely on @iaeaorg verification. Full implementation of #NuclearDeal by all is now more important than ever, for regional stability & global security. I will continue working with all participants on way forward.

The EU said it would continue to rely on the verdict of the International Atomic Energy Agency, which has responsibility for monitoring Iran’s compliance with the nuclear deal.