Bishop arrives for historic talks in Iran

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has touched down in Tehran for the first high level official talks between Iran and Australia in 12 years.

She's meeting with President Hassan Rouhani and her counterpart Javad Zarif and is expected to discuss Iran's nuclear program and efforts to combat Islamic State extremists in Iraq.

"I think it's time for Australia and Iran to have this meeting," she told reporters in Tehran.

Ms Bishop will also try to persuade Iran to take back its failed asylum seekers.

Iran is reportedly reluctant to agree.

However, in 2003, Howard government immigration minister Philip Ruddock struck a deal to repatriate 190 Iranian nationals.

Ms Bishop donned a hat and headscarf when she arrived on Saturday morning.