US not in race to complete Iran talks; will defend allies: John Kerry

US Secretary of State John Kerry said on Monday Washington was "not (in) a race" to complete talks with Iran on its nuclear programme.

Speaking at a news conference with United Arab Emirates (UAE) Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed al-Nahayan in Abu Dhabi, Kerry said Washington would defend its allies and would not undermine ties with Arab allies.

He also praised the Syrian opposition's decision to participate in a proposed peace conference as a "big step forward".

(Reporting by Lesley Wroughton, writing by Sami Aboudi; Editing by John Stonestreet)