BRISBANE, Australia - President Barack Obama is reiterating his desire not to send US combat troops to fight Islamic State fighters, but says there are always circumstances where the US might need to deploy ground troops.
He cites a hypothetical example in which Islamic State fighters obtain a nuclear weapon. He said under such a scenario he would order troops into combat.
He said the question in those cases is what are the circumstances that would require action
Obama's comments came during a news conference as he wrapped up a trip in Asia and Australia. He was responding to remarks by Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, last week that he was not ready to recommend troop deployments, but that it was an option under consideration.