In a congratulatory message, Manouchehr Mottaki also called for the “continuation of broad cooperation of the Iraqi people in the political arena” in order to “achieve independence, the exit of foreign forces and a return of Iraq to its natural regional position.”

He also voiced Iran’s support for “an elected and permanent government.”

Iraq’s new constitution seemed likely to be adopted following Saturday’s historic vote, even though election officials on Monday warned it was too early to give definite results.

Teheran has been accused of backing both Shia and Sunni rebels — possibly in a bid to keep US troops bogged down and lessening the American public’s appetite for any eventual strike against Iran over its suspect nuclear programme.

Such allegations have been denied by Iranian officials, who blame the very presence of foreign troops for the violence and appear resigned to having US troops next door for some time to come.