US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo talks to reporters on his plane on his way to the Middle East, Jan 7, 2019. (ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS / POOL VIA AP)

AMMAN, Jordan — US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has begun a Mideast visit to talk to regional leaders about ramping up pressure on Iran.

The trip comes amid confusion over conflicting Trump administration statements about a planned US troop withdrawal from Syria.

READ MORE: Trump position unchanged as Syria withdrawal plans slow

Pompeo's first stop on Tuesday is pro-Western Jordan, followed by visits to Egypt and Gulf nations.

He told reporters he plans to talk to allies about "modalities by which we may continue to apply pressure" on Iran, branded by Washington a sponsor of terrorism.

Pompeo will likely face questions about last month's surprise announcement that US troops would soon leave northeastern Syria, where they help battle remnants of the Islamic State group.

ALSO READ: Trump adviser: US to leave Syria once IS beaten, Kurds safe

He didn't give a timeline. Asked about confusion among allies, he said: "I've actually spoken to them all."