The United Nations Security Council is set to meet Thursday to discuss the situation in Iraq, where Islamist militants have seized several cities in a blow to the Shi'ite-led government.
Ahead of the session, the council issued a statement strongly criticizing the militants from the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) for their attack on Mosul. The members said "no act of violence or terrorism" can reverse Iraq's path toward peace and democracy.
Meanwhile, the United States is weighing how to help Iraq counter the surge by the militants who now control Mosul, Tikrit and Fallujah.
U.S. officials, speaking on condition of anonymity, said one of the range of options under consideration is whether to send drones to Iraq.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Josh Earnest said the U.S. will continue giving Iraq "all appropriate assistance" to fight the al-Qaida offshoot ISIL, but did not give details of specific aid.