( CNN ) -- President Barack Obama said on Thursday the United States will `` not rule anything out '' with regard to the situation in Iraq , but that it will need more help . Obama made the remarks at the White House as the security situation worsens with Iraq 's second-largest city , Mosul , firmly under the control of the militant group the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria . U.S. officials previously said things there are `` extremely urgent '' and the United States is looking to see what more support it can provide . `` This is an area that we have been watching with a lot of concern , '' Obama said , noting the United States and the international community should extend additional support . `` So my team is working around the clock to identify how we can provide the most effective assistance to them , '' Obama said . `` I do n't rule out anything because we do have a stake in making sure that these jihadists are not getting a permanent foothold in either Iraq or Syria , for that matter . '' However , a senior administration official followed up by saying the use of American ground forces is not under consideration . `` No boots on the ground . Not being considered , '' the official said . Iraqi Foreign Minister Hoshyar Zebari told CNN on Thursday that no one is calling for `` American troops into Iraq . '' He said Washington has been cooperative and has a responsibility to be proactive in the current fight against militants . The U.S. government has already provided $ 15 billion in training , weapons and equipment to the Iraqi government . Iraq on Wednesday indicated a willingness for U.S. airstrikes . But there has been no indication if that 's under consideration . Obama also came under pressure over Iraq from foreign policy critics in Congress . `` The President should get rid of his entire national security including the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff , '' Sen. John McCain , an Arizona Republican , said prior to a classified briefing for Armed Services Committee members . He said Obama should bring back David Petraeus , the former commander of American forces during a decisive period of the Iraq War , among other Bush-era generals to `` turn this whole situation around . '' Although McCain was highly critical of Obama 's handling of Iraq , he did not advocate for military airstrikes . House Speaker John Boehner declined to take a stance but suggested the Obama administration should have taken action earlier . `` I think what we should do is to provide the equipment and technical assistance that the Iraqis have been asking for , '' the Ohio Republican said . `` But it 's not like we have n't seen this problem coming for over a year , and it 's not like we have n't seen over the last five or six months , these terrorists moving in , taking control of western Iraq , now they 've taken control of Mosul , they 're 100 miles from Baghdad , and what 's the President doing ? Taking a nap , '' Boehner added . Another reliable voice against the administration 's foreign policy agenda , Sen. Lindsey Graham , acknowledged that Americans are tired of dealing with conflicts in the Middle East . `` But the people that are moving into Iraq and holding ground in Syria have on their agenda not only to drive us out of the Mideast but hit our homeland , '' he said . Some Democrats , however , urged caution about getting involved in Iraq , vacated by American troops only three years ago . `` I do n't think there 's any appetite in our country for us to become engaged in any more military activity in Iraq , '' House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi said . `` Are we going to refight the war that we just got out of ? '' she asked . Sen. Carl Levin , a Democrat from Michigan who chairs the Armed Services Committee , told reporters that all options should be on the table but warned against a hasty response . Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Dianne Feinstein , a Democrat from California , also expressed concern , indicating the outcome could be devastating if militants continue to move forward . 5 predictions revisited : Iraq 's troubles are years in the making . The siege of Mosul : What 's happening ? Recording : ISIS promises more fighting in more Iraqi cities . CNN 's Jim Acosta , Laura Bernardini and Dana Davidsen contributed to this report .
President Obama addresses the worsening security situation in Iraq . He says the the United States should not rule anything out . But a senior government official says there will be no U.S. ` ` presence on the ground '' NEW : Sen. John McCain says Obama should fire national security staff , bringing back David Petraeus .