Japan released the captain of the fishing trawler in late September to placate Beijing and reduce tension.

FORBES: The Other Incident in Korea

He urged the country to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community.

BBC: Iran defiant over talks on its nuclear programme

Calming odors : The presence of family members, friends and even total strangers can reduce tension and anxiety during stressful situations.

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In a video to the Iranian people, Mr Obama urged Iran to take "immediate and meaningful steps" to reduce tension with the international community.

BBC: Obama Nowruz message: Iran must 'reduce nuclear tension'

Mr Talabani, who has known Mr Suleimani since the Kurdish leader's days in opposition to Saddam Hussein, appealed for Iran's help to reduce tension between Iraq's various militias.

ECONOMIST: Iraq, Iran and the United States

"Now is the time for everyone to make efforts to reduce the tension and strengthen the diplomatic involvement, " Mrs Clinton said.

BBC: Apec summit: Clinton warns Asia leaders over disputes

Allen, the coalition commander in Afghanistan, met Friday with army officers in Pakistan to reduce rising tension on the poorly demarcated border.

WSJ: Airstrike Ravages U.S.-Pakistan Ties

The Americans clearly hope that an agreement will reduce the tension so the deadline can be postponed while permanent-status negotiations get under way.

ECONOMIST: Israeli twists and turns