The Syrian government set conditions on Thursday for any international inquiry into a suspected chemical attack that killed scores of people in northwestern Syria, saying it must not be "politicized" and should start work from Damascus.

Syrian Foreign Minister Walid al-Moualem said the country's past experience with international inquiries had not been "encouraging". He indicated that the government would only consider the idea of an inquiry if its concerns were addressed.

Moualem also reiterated the government's denial that it was behind the attack on Tuesday in Khan Sheikhoun.

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday accused President Bashar al-Assad's government of going "beyond a red line", and said his attitude toward Syria and Assad had changed. But he gave no indication of how he would respond.

Moualem did not directly respond to questions about Trump's comments, but said he recognized "the gravity" of recent U.S. statements.