Updated

The main Western-backed Syrian opposition group says it will attend peace talks in Switzerland after the United Nations withdrew an invitation to Iran.

The Syrian National Coalition's political committee welcomed the U.N.'s move in a statement and said it confirms participation in the so-called Geneva 2 conference.

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon announced the withdrawal less than 24 hours after he surprised the U.S. and others by saying he had invited Syria's closest regional ally.