Washington  - US President Barack Obama spoke with Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki and President Jalal Talabani on Monday after the country held largely peaceful provincial elections, the White House said.

Spokesman Robert Gibbs offered no further details about the calls. Obama on Saturday congratulated Iraqis on their "significant" and peaceful election of local officials, calling it an "important step" as the country takes control of its future.

Unofficial preliminary results suggest al-Maliki's ruling coalition was leading the tally in Iraq's nine southern provinces, national media reported Monday. dpa