US to 'not take sides' in Iraqi-Kurdish dispute: Trump

President Donald Trump said Monday the U.S. would not take sides in the clash between the Iraqi government and Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG).

He told reporters at the White House that the U.S. has had a very good relationship with the Kurds but has also been on Iraq’s side for many years.

“We've had for many years a very good relationship with the Kurds as you know, and we've also been on the side of Iraq, even though we should have never been there in the first place. We should never have been there. But we're not taking sides in that battle," Trump said.

The same day, the U.S. State Department urged both Baghdad and Kurdish regional leaders to coordinate military activities and restore calm.

"We strongly urge all parties to avoid provocations that can be exploited by Iraq’s enemies who are interested in fueling ethnic and sectarian conflict," it said in a statement.

"In particular, we note that there is still much work to be done to defeat Daesh in Iraq, and continued tensions between Iraqi and Kurdish forces distract from this vital mission," it added, referring to the Daesh of Iraq and Syria.

It said the U.S. is working with central and regional government officials to reduce tensions, avoid further clashes and encourage dialogue.

"The United States will continue to stand with our Iraqi partners to ensure Daesh’s defeat," it added.