US, world powers save space for Iran at talks

Kerry tries to unite all with influence around shared vision of peace

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 longtime foe if it might help halt Syria's four-year civil war.

Washington was still waiting to hear if Teheran will attend the next round of discussions, expected to start on 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.