Iran's Rouhani does not rule out US cooperation on Iraq

Iran may consider cooperating with the United States in fighting Sunni extremist fighters in Iraq if Washington acts against them, President Hassan Rouhani told journalists today.

He was responding to questions of whether mutual interests in fighting terrorism could possibly bring together Tehran and Washington -- traditional foes that have had no diplomatic relations in more than three decades.

"If we see that the United States takes action against terrorist groups in Iraq, then one can think about it," Rouhani said at a press conference marking a year since he was elected president.

Both Iranian and American leaders have separately pledged support for the government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in fighting advancing fighters from the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL).

"We have said that all countries must unite in combating terrorism. But right now regarding Iraq we have not seen the Americans taking a decision yet," Rouhani said, mentioning that problems in neighbouring Syria have been made worse by Western support for rebels there.

Yesterday, US President Barack Obama said Washington was considering options over Iraq short of sending troops.

"We will not be sending US troops back into combat in Iraq, but I have asked my national security team to prepare a range of other options that could help support Iraqi security forces," he said.

The jihadists, employing brutal tactics and showing no mercy for civilians and rival rebels, have taken a swathe of mostly Sunni Arab territory in northern Iraq since launching an offensive on Monday.

Their advances and boast of animosity toward Shiism -- a branch of Islam overwhelmingly practised in Iran -- have raised alarm in Tehran, with the leadership promising to fight their "terrorism."

Rouhani said Iran is ready to help Iraq, if asked.

"No specific request has been put forward, but we are prepared to help -- within the frameworks of international regulations -- if there is a request," he said.