The White House says that President Barack Obama will take several more weeks to review United States strategy in Afghanistan.
Only then will he make a decision on whether to send more US troops.
The White House issued a statement after the president met his most senior advisors to discuss the way forward.
General Stanley McChrystal, the top US military commander ins Afghanistan - has already warned that the mission could fail without more resources.
President Obama held the second of what the White House says will be five intensive sessions on Afghanistan and Pakistan with his National Security team.
These discussions will influence the decision on whether the US deepens its military commitment in Afghanistan.
The meeting included Vice President Joe Biden, Defence Secretary Robert Gates and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton as well as senior military staff. read more
