Australia and the US will continue to pursue a political solution in Syria, amid indications Washington might not be prepared to accept President Bashar al-Assad remaining in power.
Foreign Minister Julie Bishop, in Boston for defence talks with US officials, rejected suggestions Canberra and Washington were at odds over what needs to be done about Russia's "very opaque" motives in Syria.
"We are at one in believing that a political solution must be pursued and that a military option will not resolve the situation," she told Sky News on Wednesday.
Labor will challenge the government to debate Australia's strategy in the Middle East on Monday.
Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Tanya Plibersek has flagged a parliamentary motion in which she'll urge Ms Bishop to back a debate before the next election.
