Ramin Mehmanparast, spokesperson for the Iranian Foreign Ministry (the nation's diplomatic arm), offered again last Tuesday to offer his mediation services to the Syrian government and its opposition.

What's going on that the Syrian government needs mediation, and why is Mehmanparast so intent on helping?

More of Iran Offering Civil Mediation Assistance

That's a question that can't be answered until further facts are considered. Mehmanparast isn't the only one offering mediation services. In fact, it seems like pretty much everyone in Iran with a political office or ministry position wants to help.

Ali Akbar Salehi, the country's foreign minister, made an announcement last Sunday that he would very much be pleased to see the Syrian government and its opposition hold talks in Tehran.

Who Else thinks Iran Can Help?

Kofi Annan, a UN-Arab League joint special envoy, paid a visit to Iran last week. Mehmanparast claims this underscores the nation's central place in conflict resolution in the region.

Against U.S. disapproval, Annan also agreed that Iran should be part of the peace-making mediation process.

Why Iran for Mediation Services?

Foreign Minister Salehi believes that peace in Syria is critical. Just as critical, he believes, is that the solution comes from the surrounding region.

All parties seem agreed that foreign intervention is undesirable. Aside from opposing Iran's role in Syrian mediation, the U.S. has had little to say about Iran's role in the conflict. Most of Secretary of State Clinton's words for Iran have focused on coming clean about nuclear activities.