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The US has begun air strikes against Islamic State militants in the Iraqi city of Tikrit, the United States military has confirmed, the BBC reported.

The order followed a request from Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi for assistance, after an Iranian-backed ground offensive in the city stalled.

"These strikes are intended to destroy [IS] strongholds with precision," said US Lt-Gen James Terry.

Until now, Washington has had no involvement in the operation in Tikrit.

Gen Terry, who is the commanding general of the US-led Operation Inherent Resolve, said the strikes would "minimise collateral damage to infrastructure."

The Iraqi ground offensive also resumed on Wednesday, targeting IS positions. The renewed efforts would be supported by the coalition, the US military statement said.

It said the aim was to dislodge IS from Tikrit, which is encircled by Iraqi forces, "once again placing the town under the government of Iraq control."