The top U.S. military officer says Washington is seeking ways to increase aid to Iraqi security forces.
Army General Martin Dempsey said on January 8 that it's still unclear when Iraqi troops will be ready for an offensive against Islamic State (IS) militants in northern and western Iraq.
But he said the United States would help with "some kind of broad counteroffensive" when Iraq is prepared for such an assault and with any reconstruction needs thereafter.
Dempsey, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, said U.S. forces also want to help Iraqis be able to better counter roadside bombs and booby-trapped buildings.
A U.S.-led coalition has been bombing IS targets in Iraq since August.
Dempsey said the coalition launched air strikes against seven IS locations on January 7.