Any New Zealand involvement in the fight against ISIS is likely to have the backing of Jordan.

The fellow Security Council member is increasingly concerned about the crisis in Syria spilling over.

Former New Zealand ambassador to the UN Terence O'Brien told Newstalk ZB's Tim Dower they see it as a very real threat.

"Jordan has first hand experience of the dreadful implications of the rise of ISIS."

Jordan isn't expected to give in to the demands of ISIS militants, demanding the release of a convicted terrorist in exchange for a Japanese hostage.