The United States (US) is intensifying diplomatic efforts to end the conflict in Syria, even as it increases support for moderate rebels.
This is according to the US Secretary of State, John Kerry, who is travelling to Vienna for talks with foreign ministers on ending the four-and-a-half year conflict.
Iran is for the first time taking part in such talks, which will also include Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey.
Russia and Iran both support Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad but the US, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and other gulf Arab nations insist he cannot play any long term role in the country’s future.
Foreign ministers from the UK, France, Germany, Egypt, Lebanon and the EU have also confirmed they would attend the meeting and other middle eastern power are also expected.