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US President Barack Obama is to discuss US policy in Afghanistan with his national security team, as speculation mounts over a decision on troop levels.A White House spokesman said Mr Obama was considering four options as he headed into the meeting.

He denied reports that the president had already settled on a figure and said a decision was still weeks away.

The top US military commander in Afghanistan has asked for at least 40,000 more US troops there.

Wednesday's meeting comes as an exhaustive review of US strategy in Afghanistan, including troop levels, appears to be drawing to a close.

Reports citing anonymous officials have suggested that a figure somewhat below the 40,000 suggested by Gen Stanley McChrystal is likely to be chosen.

But on Tuesday White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said the president was yet to decide.

"Anybody who tells you the president has made a decision... doesn't have, in all honesty, the slightest idea what they are talking about," he said.

He gave no details about the four options that he said Mr Obama would weigh up.

Critics have said the decision on Afghanistan is taking too long, while Mr Obama has said he does not want to rush a decision that involves putting troops at risk.


The US currently has some 68,000 troops in Afghanistan. In addition, there are 40,000 coalition troops serving in the country.