US Secretary of State John Kerry now says the US is going to provide "intense and sustained" support for Iraqi security forces to combat the Islamist insurgency in the country.
"The support will be intense and sustained and if Iraq's leaders take the necessary steps to bring the country together, it will be effective. It will allow Iraqi security forces to confront ISIL more effectively and in a way that respects Iraq's sovereignty while also respecting America's and the region's vital interests."
Kerry has made the pledge following a meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad.
For his part, Maliki says he remains committed to forming a new government by next month.
US President Barack Obama last week announced he's sending 300 American advisers to help coordinate the fight against the al-Qaeda-affiliated Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant.
However, Obama has so far turned down Maliki's request for air strikes
