Global powers are to hold peace talks in Vienna to discuss ways to end the conflict in Syria. The US and Russia will co-chair the meeting attended by the International Syria Support Group. Aid delivery to besieged areas and a political solution to end the five-year conflict are expected to top the agenda.

Some Gulf states have expressed concerns that the US may change its stance on removing Syrian president Bashar al-Assad from power as part of the peace process. In response, the US characterised the concerns as "tactical differences" which wouldn't affect the main objective of establishing peace in Syria.