Analysis-Crisis in Iraq tests its stability and Iran's sway

Supporters of Iraqi populist leader Moqtada al-Sadr gather for a sit-in at the parliament building, amid political crisis in Baghdad, Iraq August 2, 2022. REUTERS/Khalid Al-Mousily

BAGHDAD (Reuters) -A power struggle in Iraq between the Shi'ite cleric Moqtada al-Sadr and rivals aligned with Iran is testing Tehran's ability to stave off a conflict that could damage its interests and further destabilise the oil-rich country.

With Sadr supporters camped out in parliament and his opponents protesting in the streets, the tussle over a new government has put fresh strain on a political system that has been buffeted by crises since U.S.-led forces toppled dictator Saddam Hussein two decades ago.