US President Barack Obama has ruled out putting "boots on the ground" in Iraq, but plans to send experts to help support Iraqi security forces. The best solution for Iraq begins with an inclusive government, he stressed.

During a White House press conference on Thursday, the US president emphasized the importance for the Iraqi government to find a political solution to its current armed crisis, threatening to thrust the country into civil war.

"American forces will not be returning to combat in Iraq," Obama told reporters.