Australia Mediating U.S.-Iran Nuclear Stand-Off

Reuters:

Australia had become a mediator in a nuclear stand-off between Iran and the United States, Prime Minister John Howard said on Sunday, in a move that mirrors Australia's role in the North Korea nuclear crisis.

Howard said Australia had been able to use its close alliance with the United States and diplomatic ties with Iran to act as a go-between for the two nations -- a role illustrated when President Bush called him on Friday.

"I was able to talk at some length with President Bush about the substance of my discussion with the Iranian Foreign Minister (at the World Economic Forum in Switzerland)," Howard told Australian television.

"I think all of that helps ... There are a number of countries around the world that we talk to that the Americans don't talk to in the same way and we are able to pass on information," he said. ...