Berlin, Aug 31, IRNA -- German Chancellor Angela Merkel on Monday highlighted Iran's crucial role in settling the five-year Syrian civil war.

Speaking at her annual summer news conference in Berlin, Merkel expressed hope that diplomatic progress could be achieved in ending the Syrian war.

Asked by IRNA, if the Iranian nuclear agreement could also help spur diplomatic efforts to resolve the Syrian crisis, Merkel replied, I think Iran has a lot of influence in Syria and everyone is invited to take up a constructive role in diplomatic efforts geared at resolving the conflict.

She urged regional as well as US-Russian cooperation on Syria, saying it was key to making diplomatic progress in the war-stricken country.

Meanwhile, Merkel hailed the July 14 Vienna nuclear accord as 'progress', calling on all sides to implement the deal.

By IRNA