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US to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria - Pompeo US to expel every last Iranian boot from Syria - Pompeo
(35 minutes later)
The US will use diplomacy and work with its partners to "expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has vowed. The US will work with allies to "expel every last Iranian boot" from Syria, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo says.
Mr Pompeo warned there would be no US reconstruction aid for areas controlled by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad until Iran and its proxies had left.Mr Pompeo warned there would be no US reconstruction aid for areas controlled by Syrian President Bashar al-Assad until Iran and its proxies had left.
He was speaking in Cairo three weeks after President Donald Trump announced US troops were pulling out of Syria. He also criticised ex-President Barack Obama's Middle East policy, saying he had made "dire misjudgements".
The decision shocked US allies and sparked strong criticism in Washington. Mr Pompeo was speaking in Cairo three weeks after President Donald Trump said US troops were pulling out of Syria.
The announcement had shocked US allies and sparked strong criticism in Washington.
Mr Pompeo, who has been seeking to reassure allies following Mr Trump's surprise announcement, said: "America will not retreat until the terror fight is over. We will labour tirelessly alongside you to defeat Isis [the Islamic State group], al-Qaeda and other jihadists that threaten our security and yours."Mr Pompeo, who has been seeking to reassure allies following Mr Trump's surprise announcement, said: "America will not retreat until the terror fight is over. We will labour tirelessly alongside you to defeat Isis [the Islamic State group], al-Qaeda and other jihadists that threaten our security and yours."
He added that the US was a "force for good" in the Middle East, adding: "Where America retreats, chaos follows."He added that the US was a "force for good" in the Middle East, adding: "Where America retreats, chaos follows."
Why did Pompeo mention Iran?Why did Pompeo mention Iran?
Iran, alongside Russia, has been supporting the Syrian government in the Syrian civil war, providing arms, military advisers, and reportedly combat troops.Iran, alongside Russia, has been supporting the Syrian government in the Syrian civil war, providing arms, military advisers, and reportedly combat troops.
The US is deeply suspicious of Iranian activity in the Middle East and views it as a destabilising force in the region.The US is deeply suspicious of Iranian activity in the Middle East and views it as a destabilising force in the region.
It is also an ally of Israel and Saudi Arabia, two of Iran's foes.It is also an ally of Israel and Saudi Arabia, two of Iran's foes.
On Thursday, Mr Pompeo said "we will not ease our campaign to stop Iran's malevolent influence and actions against this region and the world."On Thursday, Mr Pompeo said "we will not ease our campaign to stop Iran's malevolent influence and actions against this region and the world."
He added that American sanctions against Iran were "the strongest in history and will keep getting tougher".He added that American sanctions against Iran were "the strongest in history and will keep getting tougher".
What is the US's approach to Syria?
The US, along with Turkey, Gulf Arab states, and Jordan, has been supporting some rebel groups.
Some 2,000 US military personnel are reported to be in Syria, and have been involved in fighting Islamic State militants.
In December, Mr Trump said he was withdrawing all remaining troops because IS had been "defeated", adding "they're all coming back and they're coming back now".
The announcement shocked allies and several US defence officials, including Defence Secretary James Mattis, resigned shortly afterwards.
Since then, US officials have appeared to row back slightly on the decision. Mr Trump said the troops would be pulled out "slowly", while National Security Adviser John Bolton said the withdrawal would depend on certain conditions.
Mr Pompeo's Thursday speech appeared to be an attempt to reassure allies, while also reiterating Mr Trump's decision to pull out troops.
"President Trump has made the decision to bring our troops home from Syria... but this isn't a change of mission. We remain committed to the complete dismantling of the Isis [IS] threat," he said, adding that the US also wanted its partners to "do more".