"The United States and our partners remian committed to eliminating the small ISIS presence in ISIS that our forces have not already eradicated," a statement said.

"We will continue to consult with our allies and friends regarding future plans."

In a nod to Trump's belief that the US is shouldering too much of the cost of stabilising Syria, the statement suggested that US efforts in the country would not extend beyond the narrow mission of defeating the extremist group.

"We expect countries in the region and beyond, plus the United Nations, to work toward peace and ensure that ISIS never re-emerges," the statement said.

The White House statement came the day after Trump met with national security aides to discuss the future of the US. role in Syria.

CIA chief Mike Pompeo, who has been nominated to be secretary of state, and other advisers strongly advised the President against too quick a withdrawal, according to US officials who spoke on condition of anonymity.

There are currently about 2,000 US troops in Syria.

In December, the Australian government said it would gradually withdraw Australian contribution to US-led airstrikes after Iraq delcared that Islamic State had been defeated. However, training of local forces would continue.

Australia's sixth rotation of about 300 troops – along with 100 New Zealand troops – was deployed in late 2017 and are scheduled to remain until the middle of 2018.

Intelligence agency ASIO recently said more than 100 Australians were still believed to be fighting with extremist groups in the region.

Reuters, Fairfax Media