The Iranian Government played a key role in the negotiations to instate a Government in Iraq. This new agreement could lead Baghdad to establish a close alliance with Tehran, far from the sphere of influence of the West. The Guardian reveals that the Islamic Republic played an essential role in forming an alliance between Nouri al-Maliki, who is seeking a second term in office as Iraqi Premier, and the powerful Shiite cleric, Moqtada al Sadr: “The agreement – which also involved Syria, the Lebanese Organization Hezbollah and the highest-ranking Shiite authorities – places al-Maliki in the forefront in resuming his leadership of Iraq, after a seven-month stalemate; and places Iran as a powerful diaphragm against US interests in the Country, at a time in which the US are trying to change their relationship with Iraq, from one of military control to civil partner”.