Trump, however, wanted them to withdraw Syria relatively soon without approving a specific pullout timetable, according to the official.

The official said that Trump seeks the defeat of Islamic State (IS) group and greater role by the United Nations and other countries in the region to provide stability in Syria.

“We’re not going to immediately withdraw but neither is the president willing to back a long-term commitment,” the official said.

Trump said on Tuesday, April 3, he wants American troops to "get out" of Syria, even as some of his top officials simultaneously stressed the need to stay in the country long term.

Trump's remarks follow comments last week when he vowed US forces would shortly quit Syria, a position at odds with establishment doctrine that a premature pullout from the war-torn nation would have far-reaching negative consequences.

"Our primary mission in terms of Syria was getting rid of IS," Trump said.

"We've almost completed that task. And we'll be making a decision very quickly in coordination with others in the area as to what we'll do."

General Joe Votel, who leads the military's Central Command, suggested the US should play a long-term role in Syria in terms of stabilizing the areas that once had been freed from IS occupation.

Reporter’s code: 50101