US President Barack Obama has addressed on the situation in Iraq. Speaking from the White House, Obama said US military forces will not be returning to Iraq. But he vowed to continue to support Iraqi security forces and said the US is willing to take targeted military action if needed. He also said the US will help lead an international diplomatic effort aimed at building stability in the country.

Obama's statement followed a meeting with his national security team. The Obama administration had been weighing its options since Iraq formally requested the US to help intervene in its fight against the militant group, knowns as the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant, on Wednesday.