US president Barack Obama has spoken with Prime Minister Tony Abbott to discuss the situation in Iraq and thank him for Australia’s assistance.

A statement from the White House has confirmed the phone call between the two leaders.

“The President thanked the Prime Minister for Australia’s contributions to humanitarian air drops in northern Iraq and logistics support of resupply missions,” the statement said.

“The two leaders discussed the need to continue addressing both the ongoing humanitarian situation as well as the threat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) poses to Iraq and the broader region.”

“The president underscored that the United States will continue to coordinate closely with Australia on ISIL and other national security priorities.”

Earlier today Foreign Minister Julie Bishop suggested Australian military trainers and advisers could be sent to Iraq as part of the international effort to combat Islamic State (IS) extremists.

Ms Bishop also indicated Australia was prepared to expand its military role in the country to include possible air strikes, if requested to do so.

Australian military transport planes have already delivered humanitarian aid and weapons to Kurdish forces in Iraq as part of a multi-national effort.