"If the Bashar regime feels that it can continue in a stalemate, much less prevail, there will be no incentive for them to take the necessary steps to bring about a transition in Syria," Jubeir told a news briefing during a Washington visit by Saudi Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.

Earlier, U.S. President Barack Obama and Saudi Arabia's powerful deputy crown prince met at the White House for talks that focused on conflicts in the Middle East including the campaign against Islamic State.

Deputy Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the son of King Salman, is on a visit to the United States aimed at restoring frayed relations with Washington and to promote a plan to slash the kingdom's dependence on oil revenues.

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