The United States has postponed a meeting with Russian officials scheduled for later this week to discuss the situation in Syria, as Washington weighs its response to allegations that Syrian forces used chemical weapons last week.
The talks Wednesday in the Hague were due to be the latest in the U.S.-Russian bid to find a political solution to the crisis.
A senior State Department official said late Monday the delay is in light of the "ongoing consultations" on how to respond to reports of chemical weapons use in Syria.
Russian Deputy Foreign Affairs Minister Gennady Gatilov said Russia regrets the U.S. decision.
A White House spokesman said Monday there is "very little doubt" the Syrian government used chemical weapons.
Russia, a Syrian ally, has dismissed the allegations, saying the United States and other Western nations do not have proof of such an attack.