Indonesia, which has good relations with Iran and its critics, has offered to help mediate the Islamic republic's stand-off with the United States and other countries over its nuclear programme.

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono (R) greets visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad at the Merdeka Palace in Jakarta May 10, 2006. Indonesia greeted Ahmadinejad with a 21-gun salute on Wednesday as he began meetings overshadowed by the Islamic republic's controversial nuclear policies. [Reuters]

Indonesian President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, asked by reporters on Wednesday what role Indonesia could play on the issue, said: "We can cooperate well in reducing the tension and move toward continuing talks and negotiations."

He was speaking after a meeting visiting Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.

Presidential spokesman Dino Patti Djalal said "Iran was very receptive" to Indonesia's offer to help mediate.

"We hope it will happen. We need to breathe new life into negotiations," he said.