TEHRAN: Iran's state media say French Foreign Minister Laurent Fabius' visit to Iran is the start of a "new era" in bilateral relations following a historic nuclear deal between the Islamic Republic and world powers reached earlier this month.

Fabius said Wednesday the time has come for Iran and France to warm up their relations, calling his visit "an important trip."

However, his visit has been marred by protests from hard-liners who call him "the obstacle" because of France's tough position in the talks.

Fabius visit to Iran is the first by a top French diplomat in more than a decade. His visit comes a day after European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini visited Tehran amid new hopes for better ties between Iran and Europe.