French President Francois Hollande on Wednesday brought up the possibility of a military operation "if necessary" to fight the Islamic State (IS), but recalled the need to seek a diplomatic alternative to secure the stability in the region.

"The head of state underlined the importance of a political, humanitarian and, if necessary, military response that respects international law," Hollande's office said in a statement after a limited defense meeting.

"France intends to continue close consultations with all partners to ensure a coordinated response is and able to cope with a global threat that has become serious," the communique added.

According to the Elysee, Paris hoped to host an international meeting on the situation in Iraq and ways to fight against the IS.

Figures released by the United Nations showed more than 1,400 people were killed in August in Iraq after Islamist insurgents seized many towns in Iraq and forced thousands of civilians to displace.

In response, the United States launched air strikes against IS on Iraq's Kurdish capital, the first attack since Washington withdrew its troops from Iraq in 2011.

(Xinhua contributed to the story)

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