The United States warns Iraq that an operation to regain control of the city of Tikrit from Islamic State militants must not fuel a sectarian conflict.

"It is important that this operation should not be used as an excuse, or as cover for individuals who are taking sectarian-motivated retributions," White House spokesman Josh Earnest said.

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Earnest stressed that if sectarian tensions will be created as a result of the offensives in Tikrit, this will tear at the fabric of Iraq and will weaken the ability of the Iraqis to confront this threat to their country.

The operation to retake Tikrit is being carried out by an alliance of Iraqi government forces, Shiite militias, volunteer units and Iran.

"Iranian troops are also involved. We have said that from the very beginning that the United States will not coordinate militarily with the Iranians," Earnest stressed.

The United States' warning to Iraq is borne out of concerns that the presence of Shiite militia and Iranian forces in the battle might result in a situation wherein Tikrit, where a majority of Sunnis live, could end up as a site of retaliatory attacks.

These incidents have happened before, when clashes broke between the Shiites and the Sunnis.

The participation of the Iranians also threatens to escalate the potential sectarian problem.

"The fact that some Iranian military personnel are involved doesn't change the priority that the Iraqis can and should place on this operation, to ensure that it is inclusive and multi-sectarian," Earnest said.

On Wednesday, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden discussed the operation with Iraq Prime Minister Haider Al-Abadi. The White House said, Al-Abadi has given his commitment to the protection of civilians in Tikrit.

The Iraqi leader also promised that all the armed groups that will be involved in the operation shall be under the sole control of the Iraqi government.

TagsTikrit, sectarianism, Iran