The United States is pushing for Australia to contribute special forces soldiers to help an international coalition defeat Islamic State extremists in Iraq.

Citing senior government sources, The West Australian reports that Washington wants Australia to send Special Air Service Regiment troops and Commandos.

Australia’s role in a new international coalition taking on extremists in Iraq and Syria will become clearer after a speech by US President Barack Obama.

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Mr Obama is making a rare prime-time television address (11am AEST Thursday) to spell out the next phase in the quest to “degrade and destroy” Islamic State, also known as ISIL.

However, it will not involve coalition troops on the ground in Iraq or Syria.

The Abbott government’s powerful national security committee of cabinet will discuss Australia’s contribution after the address.

Australia has so far provided planes for humanitarian airdrops and weapons airlifts.

Foreign Minister Julie Bishop has spoken to her new Iraqi counterpart, assuring him Australia is willing to contribute further to efforts to combat rampaging extremist groups.