Strike decision delayed

WASHINGTON — President Donald Trump on Thursday put off a final decision on possible military strikes against Syria after tweeting earlier that they could happen “very soon or not so soon at all.”

The White House said he would consult further with allies.

Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned such an attack carried the risk of spinning out of control, suggesting caution ahead of a decision on how to respond to an attack against civilians last weekend.

The White House press secretary, Sarah Sanders, said in a brief statement after Trump met with Mattis and other members of his National Security Council: “No final decision has been made.”

Sanders said Trump would speak later with French President Emmanuel Macron and British Prime Minister Theresa May.

The U.S., France and Britain have been in extensive talks about launching a military strike as early as the end of this week.

Macron said Thursday that France has proof that the Syrian government launched chlorine gas attacks and said France would not tolerate “regimes that think everything is permitted.”

After May met with her Cabinet, a spokesperson issued a statement saying it is highly likely that Syria’s President Bashar Assad was responsible for Saturday’s attack.

The Cabinet agreed on the need to

“take action” to deter further chemical weapons use by Assad, but added that May would continue to consult with allies to coordinate an international response. Robert Burns