Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on Monday called on Japan to help save the 2015 nuclear deal with practical economic support, welcoming Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's de-escalation initiatives.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran welcomes any efforts and diplomatic initiatives of friendly countries, including Japan, for salvaging the nuclear deal and lifting sanctions (against Iran) as well as de-escalation in the region," Rouhani said in a written reply to questions submitted by Kyodo News.

"Japan can develop its economic and financial ties with Iran in various areas," he said, referring to what Tokyo could do to help save the deal that Tehran signed with world powers in 2015 to limit its nuclear activities in return for an end to severe economic sanctions.