Iraq Crisis: Kerry in Middle East to Gather Support for Anti-Isis Coalition

US Secretary of State John Kerry is beginning a tour of the Middle East in order to gather support for the anti-Isis coalition that the US is putting together.

The trip comes on the eve of the Iraqi parliament approving the new government led by Prime Minister Haidar al-Abadi.

On the first leg of his tour, Kerry will visit Jordan and Saudi Arabia to hold talks on the tense situation in Iraq.

"In Amman and Jeddah, Secretary Kerry will hold bilateral meetings with counterparts to discuss regional issues and the current situation in Iraq," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.

"While travelling in the region, Secretary Kerry will also consult with key partners and allies on how to further support the security and stability of the Iraqi government, combat the threat posed by ISIL and confront Middle East security challenges."

The US is building an international coalition comprising more than 40 countries to deal with the growing Isis threat.

Kerry's trip coincides with Obama's impending announcement of a detailed US strategy to combat the Isis militants.

Hours ahead of his visit, Kerry hailed the Iraqi parliament's approval of al-Abadi's moderate Shiite government which includes Sunnis and Kurds.

Speaking in Washington, Kerry told reporters: "Tonight, we mark what is unquestionably a major milestone for Iraq and what President Obama has made clear will be a cornerstone of our efforts against ISIL."

"Just a few hours ago, overcoming the obstacle of ethnic and sectarian divides, the Iraqi parliament approved a new and inclusive government, one that has the potential to unite all of Iraq's diverse communities for a strong Iraq."

Obama also telephoned Abadi and congratulated him.