After Wild Iraqi Vote, Cleric Broaches Alliance with U.S.-Backed Prime Minister

Moqtada al-Sadr mobilized base with vows to fight corruption pledges and appoint a cabinet of technocrats

ERBIL, Iraq—Populist cleric Moqtada al-Sadr signaled he is willing to form coalition with Iraq’s U.S.-backed prime minister that could soothe American concerns following the country’s surprising national parliamentary elections.

Mr. Sadr’s alliance of Shiite Islamists and communists unexpectedly captured the most parliamentary seats over the weekend, voting counts in the provinces of Kirkuk and Dohuk confirmed Tuesday evening. The cleric’s victory upended both American and Iranian calculations, as U.S.-aligned Prime Minister...