Sunni Islamist militants have attacked Iraq's main oil refinery, causing damage to the site. Iranian President Hassan Rouhani pledged his majority Shi'ite country would do whatever is necessary to protect Shi'ite holy sites in Iraq from ‘terrorists.’ US officials are in direct talks with Iran – uniting against a common enemy. Meanwhile, President Obama considers a range of possibilities, including assistance to Iraqi security forces and carrying out airstrikes, while stressing the need for political unity. Iran recently sent 500 soldiers to aid Iraqi law enforcement officers, but have said that the Iraqi government did not ask for their assistance. The USA has sent 500+ Marines to the Persian Gulf, and increased security at their embassy in Baghdad. Many believe a successful outcome in Iraq is not contingent upon the intervention of any country. There’s a need for Iraq to take steps on the political front to be more inclusive and govern in a non-sectarian manner.