WASHINGTON—The top U.S. negotiator for the Iranian nuclear deal says the Obama administration is ready to open a dialogue with Iran about the situation in Syria.
Under Secretary of State Wendy Sherman said Friday that such a discussion would be on the agenda for Secretary of State John Kerry’s meeting with Iranian Foreign Minister Mahammad Javad Zarif at the United Nations on Saturday.
Sherman said such talks “make sense” in the context of current developments in the Syrian conflict. Iran is a main supporter of Syrian President Bashar Assad, along with Russia, and the administration has long called for it to end that backing.
Sherman, who is stepping down next month, also said Assad may be able to remain temporarily in a transition that leads to a new government.
Friends Read Free