"We think any action in this regard has to be done with the consent of the UN and the Iraqi people," Iranian foreign ministry spokesman Hamid-Reza Asefi told reporters.

"Any action outside of that framework will not only help the situation but will make the circumstances there more complex."

Although Turkey's parliament has approved sending troops to Iraq, Ankara appears to be less eager to rush into the restive country. Iraq's interim leadership has voiced strong opposition to any Turkish deployment.

WAR.WIRE