Iraqs Fatih bloc, headed by Hadi al-Amiri and the Sairoon bloc, backed by the Sadrist movement, each claimed that they were close to forming the largest parliamentary bloc. The Fatih bloc had announced that it has become the largest bloc as it garnered 60 seats at parliament through various alliances, while spokesman for the Sairoon bloc, Qahtan al-Jabouri told Asharq Al-Awsat that its alliance remains the largest. The Sairoon alliance had emerged as the victor in the May parliamentary elections. These conflicting stances were announced in wake of Shiite Religious Authority in Najaf Ali al-Sistani’s call last week for the formation of an Iraqi government as soon as possible. The conflict among Shiite parties over the largest bloc is still centering on who the next prime minister should be, not the government program, according to political observers. It is crucial that the program meet protest demands, which now have Sistani’s “green light” to continue to pressure the government. Protests had erupted in southern Iraq in early July over corruption, poor services and a lack of jobs. Top Sadrist official, Amir al-Kanani, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the situation among Shiites cannot be described as a conflict between two parties, but rather a competition between parliamentary blocs, each of which believes it is most suited to provide services to citizens. “This conflict is in line with the nature of this stage, which requires competition to provide better performance. In addition, competition is healthy in emerging democracies, including Iraqi democracy,” he noted. An informed Iraqi politician, speaking on condition of anonymity, told Asharq Al-Awsat that the US has informed important Iraqi parties that its only choice for prime minister is current PM Haidar al-Abadi, regardless of the size of the bloc or who joins his alliance. Some US messages appeared to be a warning to blocs, parties and officials that their insistence on candidates, who are not accepted by Washington, could put them under US sanctions, according to the politician. The source explained that this is largely linked to the development of the American-Iranian conflict and the impending sanctions on Tehran. "The US administration may impose sanctions on Iraqi parties, not the Iraqi state,” he added. He added that Amiri is a candidate, among others, to head the new government. However, the US insists on Abadi and thus, the Fatih bloc leader is unlikely to be named, especially since he is considered close to Iran. He noted that the biggest player in determining Iraqi prime ministers since 2003 and until this day has been Washington, which used to welcome “Iran’s partnership, however, this time, it alone wants to choose the next premier." In a related context, the United Nations Assistance Mission in Iraq (UNAMI) insisted on the formation of a comprehensive and pro-reform government that is capable of meeting the people’s demands. "Secretary-General of the Council of Ministers Mahdi Al-Alak received head of UNAMI Jan Kubis and exchanged views on the upcoming government reforms and means of achieving development and economic progress to ensure stability in Iraq,” said a government statement.