MNA – Head of Iran's SNSC Ali Shamkhani said the US participation in management, leadership and guidance of political initiatives in the Syrian crisis is totally impossible.Due to Iran's opposition to US participation in Astana meeting, Shamkhani underlined no joint invitation has been sent by the three countries to US to attend the meeting.

Pointing to the historical records of US lack of commitment and inefficiency to establish ceasefire and lead all parties in Syria towards political dialogue, Shamkhani said “there is no reason for US participation in management, leadership and guidance of political initiatives to resolve Syrian crisis.”

The Islamic Republic of Iran playing the main role in supporting the legitimate government of Syria in the fight against terrorism, will hold strong and active participation in the political processes, including Astana peace talks, he noted.

Shamkhani referred to the composition of Syrian groups participating in the meeting, and said “only armed groups who signed a ceasefire agreement and stayed committed their obligations, as well as the United Nations Special Envoy for Syria Staffan de Mistura, have been invited to attend Astana peace talks on January 23.