In order to normalize Tehran-Ottawa ties, Sultanate of Oman and Italy will play the role of interests protectors for Iran and Canada, Afkham said at a weekly news briefing on Tuesday.

Afkham said uncertainty in Iran-Canada political relations and the need to facilitate bilateral consular affairs prompted both nations to make the decision.

"This decision was made after political correspondence between the representatives of Iran and Canada were exchanged at the United Nations in New York," she noted.

Oman will look after Iranian affairs in Canada after diplomatic relations were suspended last year, Iran said on Tuesday, part of efforts by Tehran to improve ties with the West under President Hassan Rouhani.

Canada closed its embassy in Tehran and expelled Iranian diplomats in Canada in 2012. Canadian Foreign Minister John Baird at the time made bitter rhetoric on Iran’s international role.

NTJ/BA