Iran to join Syria talks as diplomatic push gains pace

Iran confirmed Wednesday that it will take part for the first time in international talks aimed at resolving the Syria conflict as a diplomatic push to end the war gains momentum.

 Iran's Foreign Minister Javad Zarif will join his counterparts from key players in the Syria crisis -- including Russia, the United States and Saudi Arabia -- in Vienna on Friday for negotiations it is hoped could help staunch almost five years of bloodshed.

 The inclusion of Iran -- a key backer of President Bashar al-Assad -- marks a crucial shift after Tehran was excluded from earlier talks, mainly because of opposition from Washington and Riyadh.

 "We have reviewed the invitation, and it was decided that the foreign minister would attend the talks," Iranian foreign ministry spokeswoman Marzieh Afkham said.

 The talks Friday will follow a meeting between the top diplomats of Russia, the United States, Saudi Arabia and Turkey on Thursday evening, the second time the quartet will have met in less than a week.

 Britain, Egypt, France, Germany, Lebanon and the European Union all confirmed they would take part, with Britain's Foreign Office saying the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Jordan and Italy would also attend.

 There was no mention of either the Syrian government or the opposition attending.