Iraq's top Shiite cleric called Friday for parliamentary elections "as soon as possible" to ease the political crisis gripping the country since anti-government protests erupted four months ago.

Top Iraq cleric urges elections 'as soon as possible'

Washington on Friday spurned an Iraqi request to prepare to pull out its troops, amid heightened US-Iranian tensions after the US killing of an Iranian commander in Baghdad and said it was exploring a possible expansion of NATO's presence there.

US-Iran tensions escalate as Washington refuses Tehran's request to remove troops

Iraq's embattled premier announced Friday he will resign in keeping with the wishes of the country's top Shia cleric, after nearly two months of anti-government protests that have cost more than 400 lives.

After nearly 2-months of anti-government protests, Iraqi PM announces his resignation