Iran Expresses Support for Geneva Talks on Syria

Iran has expressed its support for an international conference to end the bloodshed in Syria.

The U.S. and Russia are leading a joint push to launch Syria peace talks, possibly next month in Geneva, though there is little evidence to suggest that either side in Syria is ready to halt more than two years of violence that has killed more than 70,000 people.

Foreign Minister Ali Akbar Salehi says Tehran "supports Geneva talks and U.N. efforts."

His remarks reflect an attempt by Iran to angle for a role in the negotiations on resolving the conflict. Iran is a staunch ally of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

Salehi spoke on Wednesday as representatives from 40 different countries, including Russia and China, met in Tehran to discuss Syria.