"[They] discussed the situation around the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) in the wake of the United States’ unilateral withdrawal from it and pointed to the fundamental importance of preserving the JCPOA from the perspective of international and regional security," the press service was quoted by Tass news agency as saying.

The statement added that the phone call was initiated by the German side.

The two leaders also discussed Ukraine and Syria, the Russian presidential press service reported.

"The Syrian issue was brought up as well as preparations for Angela Merkel’s working visit to Sochi scheduled for May 18," the Kremlin press service said.

Reporter’s code: 50101