U.S. Providing Reconaissance Support For Tikrit Military Operation. Iraq Will Soon Be Requesting Air Strikes

Reuters: Iraq request for U.S.-led Tikrit air strikes 'imminent': diplomat

(Reuters) - Iraq's request to the U.S.-led coalition for air strikes in the campaign to retake Tikrit from Islamic State insurgents is "imminent", a senior diplomat from a Western nation that is part of the coalition told Reuters on Tuesday.

If the coalition accepts the request, it would see by far the biggest collaboration so far against the militants by Iraqi forces, the Iranian-backed paramilitaries and their Iranian advisers on the ground, and the United States and its allies.

There was no immediate confirmation from the Iraq government about the request, which the diplomat said would be positively received. "Once that's happened (that) we have gotten the request, we will do whatever we are asked to do," the diplomat said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

More News On U.S. Support Of Iraqi - Iranian Military Operations In Tikrit

US providing recon support for Iraq Tikrit operation -- AFP
U.S. advisers helping Iraq forces reclaim land seized by militants -- AP
US-led coalition providing tactical support in Tikrit offensive, official says -- The Guardian

WNU Editor: This is not going to make some pro-Iranian Shiite militia leaders happy .... Discord In The Iraq - Iran Alliance To Fight Against The Islamic State? As for what will the U.S. response be .... providing air support for 30,000 Iranians who are dressed up as Shiite militia fighters battling Islamic State fighters .... this is probably not going to be an easy decision to make.

Update: This growing U.S. - Iran - Iraq alliance is troubling many .... Uneasy alliance of US, Iraq and Iran battles Islamic State in Tikrit (The Australian/The Times).