Envoy says Iraq is considering Australian request to launch airstrikes against Islamic State

CANBERRA, Australia – Iraq's ambassador to Australia can give no timetable on when his government might decide on Australia's request to launch airstrikes against Islamic State targets.

Australia has six F/A-18F Super Hornet jet fighters waiting on standby in the United Arab Emirates for final authorization from the Iraqi and Australian governments to begin combat missions in Iraqi with the U.S.-led coalition,

Iraq's Ambassador to Australia, Mouayed Saleh said Thursday that Iraq welcomed Australia's request to launch combat missions, but his government's Cabinet had yet to consider it.

Saleh said a decision could be made on Thursday, which is the last working day before Independence Day and a weeklong holiday. But he says a decision might not be made until after the holiday.