Tehran has been able to capitalize on sectarian ties with some Iraqi parties and armed groups with an eye toward gaining an advantage over the United States and perhaps even Iran's archrival Saudi Arabia, which has been drawing closer to Baghdad in the past two years. Now Iran is working to build relationships with Iraq's tribal leaders in an attempt to gain influence and ensure a greater footing in the country.
Iran's and Iraq's central governments are largely run by Shiite Muslims, while Saudi Arabia's government is run by Sunnis.