Iran is not going to attend the Syrian civil war peace talks, known as Geneva II.  UN Secretary general Ban Ki-Moon withdrew his invitation after Tehran refused to endorse the agreement that is the basis of the discussions.

“Iran, despite assurances provided orally to the secretary general, has made a disappointing public statement,” Ban’s spokesman told reporters in New York City.  “The secretary general is urgently considering his options in light of the disappointing reaction of some participants.”

Ban this past weekend issued a belated invitation to Iran, drawing objections from the US, UK, and the main Syrian opposition group the Syrian National Coalition, which threatened to pull out of the talks if Iran attends.  But Ban’s invitation came with a caveat:  Tehran must have accepted the Geneva Communique, which calls for a “Syrian-led political process leading to a transition that meets the legitimate aspirations of the Syrian people.”  Tehran balked, the rebels breathed a sigh of relief.

“We appreciate the United Nations and Ban Ki-moon’s understanding of our position.  We think they have taken the right decision.  Our participation is confirmed for 22 January,” said Monzer Akbik, chief of staff to the president of the Syrian National Coalition.