Iran invited to Syria diplomatic talks after state media reports Russia airstrikes near Golan Heights

Iran is due to take part in diplomatic talks on Syria's future in Vienna on 29 October

Israeli soldiers take part in a military exercise in the Golan Heights (MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP/Getty Images)

Iran is being invited to international talks aimed at ending the Syrian civil war for the first time - just after Iranian state-controlled media reported Russian warplanes had bombed enemy positions near the Israeli-annexed Syrian territory of the Golan Heights.

US officials said an invitation has been extended to Iran to take part in the talks, the next round of which take place in Vienna and Thursday. The invite was reportedly formally extended by Russia.

America had considered inviting Iran to the talks previously, but the invitation was finally given following days of behind-the-scenes negotiation, particularly with Iran's regional rival, Saudi Arabia.

The annoucement also came just as Iranian media reported Isis and Syrian rebel positions near the Golan Heights had been bombed by Russian forces.

The Golan Heights is an area inbetween Israel and Syria, which was occupied by Israel in the Six-Day War in 1976 and effectively annexed in 1981.

The state-controlled Fars news agency said the bombing was an "important message" to Israel from Moscow over an agreement on how the two militaries' planes will share airspace over the Golan Heights. Their claims have not yet been verified.

Iran is a supporter of Bashar al-Assad's government, and the Iranian military has fought alongside Syrian forces during the conflict. Those opposed to Assad may object to Iranian involvement.

However, previous international efforts to peacefully stop the conflict have failed, and the parties involved are increasingly looking to other countries in the region for help.

Last week, representatives from the US, Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey met in Vienna to discuss a diplomatic solution.

But the various parties involved are still divided over the future of Syria, and what role President Assad should have in it.