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Iraqi Shi'ite fighters carry their weapons as they prepare to launch an attack on Islamic State militants on the outskirts of the city of Tikrit February 18, 2015

The official call on sending New Zealand troops to Iraq will be made today - but an Australian report says the decision may have already been made.

It's understood Cabinet will todayagree in principle to a deployment to help in the fight against Islamic State, after concerns were eased over the Iraqi Government's refusal to sign a "status of forces" agreement setting out the legal status of the New Zealand troops.

READ MORE: * Five questions to ponder on Iraq *Up to 100 Kiwi troops set to join war in Iraq

But according to a report by The Australiannewspaper during the weekend,a decision between the two countries has already been made and today's announcement will formalise that agreement.

Alternatives to a "status of forces" agreement, including "diplomatic passports with guns" or special military or official passports, are understood to be under discussion, and sources say they should provide the level of legal protection demanded by the New Zealand Government as a condition of sending troops to Iraq.

It's understood the contingent of as many as 100 troops will be based alongside Australian and other forces at the US military base Camp Taji north of Baghdad. It will include combat trained soldiers to provide "force protection" and a small army of logistics people, including command centre staff and intelligence people.

Prime Minister John Key this morning confirmed there wouldn't be a vote in Parliament on sending troops but there would be a parliamentary debate.

The Government would almost certainly lose a vote. Labour, NZ First, the Greens, United Future and the Maori Party are lined up against sending troops to Iraq leaving only the one additional vote in support from the Act Party, which would not be enough because of the seat left vacant by the resignation of Northland MP Mike Sabin.

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Iraq troop deployment decision may have already been made