LONDON, April 3 (Reuters) - British Prime Minister Tony Blair said on Tuesday the way was open for diplomatic efforts to secure the release of 15 marines and sailors arrested and detained by Iran, and the next 48 hours would be critical.

"The most important thing is to get the people back safe and sound and if they want to resolve this in a diplomatic way the door is open," Blair told Real Radio in Scotland. "The next 48 hours will be fairly critical."

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