WASHINGTON, June 12 (Reuters) - President Barack Obama said on Thursday that he is looking at all options in helping the Iraqi government face down a growing insurgency.
"I don't rule anything out," Obama said when asked whether the United States is considering drone strikes or any other action to stop the insurgency.
Obama, speaking to reporters at the White House as he met Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott, said the United States has an interest in making sure jihadists do not gain a foothold in Iraq.
He said there will be short-term immediate actions that need to be done militarily in Iraq, and that his national security team is looking at all options. He said the United States is prepared to take military action when its national security interests are threatened. (Reporting by Jeff Mason, Steve Holland and Roberta Rampton; Editing by Eric Beech)
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