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BERLIN, April 4 (Reuters) - German Foreign Minister Frank-Walter Steinmeier said on Wednesday he hoped Tehran's decision to free 15 British sailors was a signal Iran was ready to compromise on other issues such as its nuclear programme.

"I hope that it is not only on this issue where we can avoid things coming to a head, but that this can be a starting point for dealing with other issues," Steinmeier told reporters after Iran freed the sailors and marines it seized on March 23.

Steinmeier noted the United Nations Security Council was increasing pressure on Tehran over its nuclear programme and said the door to talks with the Islamic Republic remained open.

"We are hoping for signals from Iran on this issue too," he said, referring to the nuclear standoff.

The U.N. Security Council voted unanimously last month to impose new sanctions on Iran over its refusal to heed demands from major powers to halt uranium enrichment. Tehran says its nuclear programme is purely for electricity production.

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