The United States seeks support with potential allies on possible joint military action against Islamic State (IS) militants in Iraq and Syria, U.S. officials announced on Wednesday.

U.S. President Barack Obama, State and Defense departments officials and ntelligence agencies contacted their counterparts among U.S. allies as they sought coalition support to halt Islamic State’s further advances, White House press secretary Josh Earnest said.

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Germany refused to participate in the campaign. However, the German government held talks with the United States and other close allies about the expanded military role against IS jihadist fighter, Reuters reported.

Britain and Australia are potential candidates in the military operation, U.S. officials added. However, the British embassy in Washington told the media that there is no request yet from the United States about the air strikes on militants’ stronghold.

Humanitarian aid in Iraq will remain but the Australian government refrained to comment on the U.S.-led military action, Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott spokesman said.

Abbott's spokesman also added that their response on the request will be based on the overall humanitarian purpose, the role of Australian government on the operation, and the careful assessment of the risks in the conflict.

State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki said that the U.S. is negotiating with other international partners on possible contributions they can provide on the campaign. International allies might contribute through humanitarian, diplomatic, intelligence and military means, Psaki told the reporters.

According to some sources, U.S. officials hope that the success of the humanitarian aid and latest airstrikes on militants will lessen the allies' reluctance to support the new military action.

The IS fighters declared an open war against the West and their desire to establish a jihadism hub in the Arab world. This prompted U.S. forces to respond by acting independently against the extremists, reports confirmed.

TagsU.S., Obama, Australia, Germany, Allies, Coalition