Last week, US President Donald Trump, in his latest intervention in another country's politics, issued an ultimatum, declaring Maliki a "very bad choice" and if he was elected the US "will no longer help Iraq".

In an interview with Iraqi network al-Sharqiya that was broadcast Tuesday, Maliki was asked whether he would withdraw if his candidacy posed a threat to Iraq's interests.

"Of course, I would withdraw ... but I believe that withdrawing now endangers Iraq's sovereignty," and would undermine any future decision Iraq has to make.

"I have said it: I am proceeding with this nomination until the end."

And he added that only the Coordination Framework -- an alliance of Shiite groups with varying degrees of links to Iran that nominated him -- could change that.

"The framework comes first and foremost. If it now decides to change the nomination, I will accept with open arms," Maliki said.

Last month, the Coordination Framework, which holds a parliamentary majority and has emerged in recent years as the main ruling coalition, endorsed Maliki as Iraq's next prime minister.

After Trump's threats, the alliance reiterated Saturday its support for Maliki.

But in Iraq, a country with chronically volatile politics driven by internal disputes and foreign pressure mostly from the United States and Iran, key decisions are often delayed and subject to influence.

Maliki, a powerbroker and shrewd politician, is Iraq's only two-term prime minister, having led the government between 2006 and 2014.

He enjoyed the support of the then US occupation, but later fell out with Washington over his growing ties with Iran.

The US has held significant sway over Iraqi politics since leading the 2003 invasion that ousted long-time ruler Saddam Hussein, but is an enemy of Baghdad's other main ally Iran.