One can well understand a Turkish policy of trying to defuse tensions with Iran over that country s nuclear program.

Tom tried to ease the tension.

Tom tried to defuse the situation.

Tom tried to lighten the mood.

Tom tried to deescalate the situation.

Tensions are on the rise.

Mary tried to defuse the tension by changing the subject.

It could claim that closure demonstrates its commitment to reducing regional nuclear tensions, while sending a message about the wisdom of building reactors in the world s most volatile region.

There are too many Iraqis ready to fight and die to oppose the American presence. Only politics, not arms, can calm the scene.

Only politics, not arms, can calm the scene.

Tom often uses humor to defuse tense situations.

And regional tensions are running high.

Cold war tension has mounted.

High Tensions In the Low Countries

China could help to lessen growing tensions by recognizing these concerns as reasonable.

Indeed, it is already creating tensions.

That tension leads to imperfect compromises.

To defuse tension, Yingluck dissolved the parliament to make way for an election next month.

In Georgia, the UN can help ease the tensions resulting from the recent conflict.

The social tensions would be enormous.

Tensions in financial markets have hit new highs.

Nonetheless, tension is simmering beneath the surface.

Tensions between the two countries were already high.

Regional autonomy, moreover, has not pacified ethnic tensions.

At that point, tensions with Cambodia became inevitable.

Moreover, currency tensions will remain high.

Anti Japanese riots across China have heightened tensions in Asia.

In France, this intensity is particularly visible within Socialist ranks.

Soon, high interest rates strained the country's budget.

Tensions have been building, fueling violence and playing into the hands of people smugglers.

Until then, we must do our best to defuse the nuclear time bomb together.

Furthermore, trade tensions could weaken political ties.

Iranian Turkish tensions reflect three larger realities. First, the Arab Spring, and especially the Syrian uprising, exposed the two sides underlying rivalry for influence in the Middle East and the Arab world.

Today s tensions are rooted in paralysis on global rebalancing.

Iranian Turkish tensions reflect three larger realities.

For now, the tension has been left unresolved, leading to high budget deficits.

All sides must manage these tensions with great care and caution.

A similar tension exists in the effort to create international Internet governance norms.

Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos tried to defuse the issue by first ascertaining whether the Cubans actually wanted to be invited.

And, even if social unrest does erupt, repression might succeed again.

Tension between the president and the Supreme Leader is built into the Islamic Republic s core.

But forming a coalition government is unlikely to ease the tension between Hamas and Fatah.

The answer is not for China to step up its public relations effort.

Tension between Japan and China which claims the islands immediately soared.

The excitement of the moment, however, does not tell us what the future holds.