French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault says France will host an international meeting on Thursday on the future of Mosul. The statement comes on the second day of a major offensive to retake Iraq's second city from Islamic State militants.

Ayrault said the coalition must plan for the stabilisation of Mosul after the military battle, adding that Iran -- which wields substantial influence in Iraq -- was not invited to the talks. He said the international coalition fighting ISIL also had a "responsibility" to retake Raqa in Syria which would be the last major city under ISIL control if the Mosul operation is a success.

The coalition's defense ministers will also meet in Paris next Tuesday to assess progress in the Mosul offensive.