President Barack Obama and Prime Minister Tony Abbott discussed the need to continue addressing the "threat" posed by Islamic State terrorists in Iraq during a phone call on Tuesday.

The White House has issued a statement in which it says President Obama "thanked" Mr Abbott for Australia's contributions to humanitarian air drops and deliveries of weapons to the Peshmergas in northern Iraq.

The two leaders, pictured at a White House meeting in June, spoke on the phone about the threat of Islamic State. Credit:Andrew Meares

"The two leaders discussed the need to continue addressing both the ongoing humanitarian situation as well as the threat the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) Poses to Iraq and the broader region," said the statement.

The President said the US would continue to "co-ordinate closely" with Australia on ISIL and other national security priorities.