Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott During An Official Visit To Putrajaya, Malaysia
Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott speaks at a joint news conference with his Malaysian counterpart Najib Razak during an official visit in Putrajaya September 6, 2014. Reuters/Olivia Harris

New Zealand Prime Minister John Key said Special Air Service troops will possibly go to Iraq in the near future to serve as trainers and advisers to Iraqi forces fighting ISIS militants. The country may be following Australia's lead as it sends its SAS to Iraq as confirmed by Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop.

According to reports, Bishop had travelled to Baghdad, Iraq's capital city, to finalise the agreement on Australia's role to advise and assist Iraqi troops and strengthen their defences. Mr Key, who has long been hounded by speculative reports of his impending decision to send troops, said training is "definitely an option."

3News reports that the prime minister has yet to announce New Zealand's official decision concerning the deployment of Kiwi troops. He has reportedly discussed the situation in Iraq with Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott over the phone last Oct. 17.

Mr Key told media that Mr Abbott neither encouraged nor discouraged New Zealand from its plans. However, Mr Key said Australia would "welcome" any kind of action taken by New Zealand. He has quelled reports of SAS being sent to combat against ISIS on the ground but considers following Australia in deploying troops to Iraq. Mr Key reiterated that training was a potential option as U.S. President Barack Obama has always said there is a need to develop Iraqi forces.

In Afghanistan, the SAS was on an official training role. Two soldiers were killed in combat as SAS also mentored the frontline. Greens co-leader Russel Norman was opposed to sending ground troops since he believes they will end up getting killed.

Mr Key has been calling for support from all parties before deciding on involvement in the Iraq crisis. However, two of the Labour party's leadership contenders, Andrew Little and Grant Robertson, had already expressed their disapproval for SAS training.

As for Australia's SAS troops, Bishop's confirmation of legal clearance from Iraq will mean troops are ready to be deployed anytime. Mr Abbott had previously stated he wanted Australian troops to have indemnity from prosecution under Iraqi law. Australia had launched its first airstrike against ISIS targets earlier in the month.