On Iraq, meanwhile, Mr. Kerry expressed serious concern about the inroads made by Al Qaeda’s affiliate there, including the capture of major parts of Falluja, in Anbar Province…

The secretary of state said the United States had been in contact with Sunni tribal leaders and would try to help them and the Iraqi government in their fight with the militants.

But Mr. Kerry provided no specifics about what assistance the United States would provide and hinted that the help would not include the use of American-operated armed drones or airstrikes.

“This is a fight that belongs to the Iraqis,” he said. “We are going to do everything that is possible to help them.”