US, world powers save space for Iran at Syria talks
Iran could join international talks over Syria's future for the first time later this week, as the United States declared itself ready to engage its long-time foe if it might help halt Syria's four-year civil war.
Washington was still waiting to hear if Tehran will attend the next round of discussions, expected to start Thursday and continue Friday in Vienna. Secretary of State John Kerry, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov and several top European and Arab diplomats will be attending, a familiar cast that up to now hasn't included any Iranian representatives. Kerry departs for the Austrian capital on Wednesday.
State Department spokesman John Kirby told reporters on Tuesday the arrangements for Vienna were still being finalized, but that "we anticipate that Iran will be invited to attend this upcoming meeting."
