U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry says Iran could play a role on the sidelines of Syrian peace talks scheduled for January 22 in Geneva.
Kerry, speaking in Israel on January 5, said Washington opposes Tehran participating at the ministerial level unless it accepts that a future Syrian government will be formed by "mutual consent" of the authorities and the opposition.
But he said Tehran was welcome to play a positive, informal role.
Meanwhile, Kerry said Washington would “help” Iraqis fight Al-Qaeda-linked militants.
But he said Washington was not considering sending troops back to Iraq.
The comments came after Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed to defeat "all terrorist groups" in Anbar Province as Iraqi security forces and Sunni tribesmen continue to battle Al-Qaeda militants in Fallujah and Ramadi.
Kerry, speaking in Israel on January 5, said Washington opposes Tehran participating at the ministerial level unless it accepts that a future Syrian government will be formed by "mutual consent" of the authorities and the opposition.
But he said Tehran was welcome to play a positive, informal role.
Meanwhile, Kerry said Washington would “help” Iraqis fight Al-Qaeda-linked militants.
But he said Washington was not considering sending troops back to Iraq.
The comments came after Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki vowed to defeat "all terrorist groups" in Anbar Province as Iraqi security forces and Sunni tribesmen continue to battle Al-Qaeda militants in Fallujah and Ramadi.
