Emmanuel Macron has called for a “new deal” with Iran after Donald Trump criticised the current nuclear agreement as “insane” and “ridiculous”.

The comments came ahead of a State Dinner at the White House, the culmination of a day which showcased the "bromance" between the two leaders.

The French president said the deal should cover Iran’s ballistic missiles activity and involvement in the Middle East, including Syria, as well as nuclear issues.

The comments will not calm EU fears that Mr Trump is preparing to rip up the existing Iran deal when it is up for renewal on May 12.

That agreement was secured by Barack Obama, his predecessor, and waives economic sanctions in turn from Iran not pursuing its nuclear programme.

Convincing Mr Trump to stick by the deal was one of Mr Macron’s stated goals for his three-day state visit to America, with the French leader initially saying there was no “Plan B”.