President Barack Obama on Thursday announced plans to send 300 American military personnel to train and advise Iraqi forces and to expand intelligence, surveillance, reconnaissance missions as Washington aims to curb recent advances by the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS).

The President also addressing growing concerns from U.S. policymakers and analysts in recent days in a message that appeared to be directed at Tehran:

Finally, the United States will lead a diplomatic effort to work with Iraqi leaders and the countries in the region to support stability in Iraq. At my direction, Secretary Kerry will depart this weekend for meetings in the Middle East and Europe, where he’ll be able to consult with our allies and partners. And just as all Iraqis’ neighbors must respect Iraq’s territorial integrity, all of Iraq’s neighbors have a vital interest in ensuring that Iraq does not descend into civil war or become a safe haven for terrorists.

Iran has frequently been accused of interference by neighboring countries. When pressed by reporters on proposed cooperation with Tehran, the President highlighted Iran’s record of supporting Iraqi Shiites at the expense of an inclusive government, and said that no bilateral cooperation would occur if Iran continues to approach Iraq through the lens of sectarianism.

[Photo: The White House / YouTube]