Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said it opposes US participating in the Russian-backed Syria peace talks in Astana, Kazakhstan. Iran's statement condradicts recent report that indicated incoming president Donald Trump's administration would be invited to the talks. It remains unclear whether Iran would skip out on the event if the US were to participate. In addition to Turkey and Russia, Iran is one of the sponsors behind the Syria peace talks. Despite a recent ceasefire brokered Russia and Turkey, Iran has not signed the agreement suggesting fear of Tehran losing its influence in Syria.