Keep eyes open with Iran: Labor

The federal opposition is demanding details from the government about how friendly Australia will get with Iran.

Labor's foreign affairs spokeswoman Tanya Plibersek is issuing caution over thawing relations with the previously internationally-isolated nation, saying Iran was unlikely to suddenly become a "responsible actor" and could use its recent nuclear deal to extend influence in the Middle East.

"We should have our eyes wide open when we deal with Iran," she says in an opinion piece on Thursday.