Syria chemical attack: US says all options are on the table

Briefing reporters, White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said that a final decision has not yet been taken.

"The president has a number of options at his disposal and a number remain on the table," she said.

Sanders added, "We haven't laid out any specific actions we plan to take."

However, she said that the US holds Russia and Syria responsible for carrying out the attack.

The US has also found support from France and UK over the issue.

The US National Security Council is scheduled to meet on Thursday, while UK Prime Minister Theresa May has called a cabinet meeting, a BBC report said.

Contrary to US' claim, Syria has denied any involvement in the alleged attack, which killed dozens on Saturday in the rebel-held town of Douma.

Russia's threat

During a meeting of the UN Security Council on Tuesday, Moscow's UN envoy Vasily Nebenzia and his US counterpart Nikki Haley reportedly had a heated exchange over the issue.

Making Russia's intentions clear, Nebenzia said, "I would once again beseech you to refrain from the plans that you're currently developing."

Russia also vetoed a proposal to open a new inquiry into the alleged chemical attack in Syria.

After the US-drafted resolution failed to pass at the UN Security Council, Haley accused Russia of failing the Syrian people.

Moscow has also warned the West of 'dire consequences' if it attacks Syria on the pretext of responding to the alleged chemical attack.

Joint Western front

The US, France and the UK have reportedly backed the US' plan of striking Syria, in response to the alleged chemical attack.

France's President Emmanuel Macron told reporters that his soldiers will target Syrian chemical factories.

"Our decision will not target allies of the regime or attack anyone but rather attack the regime's chemical capabilities," Macron said in a joint news conference with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, in Paris.

"We will continue sharing technical and strategic information with our partners, particularly with the United Kingdom and the United States. And in the coming days, we will announce our decision," he added.

US President Donald Trump took to Twitter to warn Russia.

"Russia vows to shoot down any and all missiles fired at Syria. Get ready Russia, because they will be coming, nice and new and “smart!” You shouldn’t be partners with a Gas Killing Animal who kills his people and enjoys it!" his tweet read.

Saudi participation possible

During his recent visit to France, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman told reporters that Saudi Arabia could strike Damascus if the need arises.

Asked if his country will intervene in the growing Middle Eastern crisis, he said, "If our alliance with our partners demands it, we will be present."

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman with Lebanese Prime Minister Saad Hariri and French President Emmanuel Macron and First Lady Brigitte Macron in France. Image: twitter.com/EmmanuelMacronUnlike his father's conservative approach, Prince Salman, also known as MBS, has been open about reforms.

Under his leadership, Saudi Arabia has experienced better ties with Israel and has edged past Iran in a number of important areas, including women rights.

Russia's dilapidated diplomacy with the West

In recent times, commentators have said that Russia's diplomatic ties with the West have worsened.

It first emerged after the nerve agent attack on former double agent Sergei Skripal and his daughter Yulia in UK's Salisbury region.

In response, the UK asked 23 Russian diplomats to leave the country.

Soon after the incident, over 20 countries asked Russian diplomats to leave.

The US expelled 60 Russian diplomats.

Russia retaliated, expelling the same number of US diplomats from the country.

Diplomats from the UK too were expelled by Moscow.

Image: twitter.com/realDonaldTrump