But Maliki sought to reassure Washington by saying he backed a state monopoly on arms, claiming an understanding is possible with pro-Iran armed factions that have long threatened US interests.

Maliki also vowed not to tolerate threats to diplomatic missions and interests in Iraq if he becomes premier, as fears of a war grow following US threats to strike neighbouring Iran.

"I have absolutely no intention of withdrawing out of respect for my country, its sovereignty, and its will. No one has the right to say whom we can or cannot vote for," Maliki said of his candidacy.

Last month US President Donald Trump intervened by issuing an ultimatum that if Maliki, a politician with close ties to Iran, was named as Iraq's next prime minister, the US would no longer help the country.

Maliki then denounced "blatant interference" in Iraq's affairs, while stressing that Baghdad should still maintain good relations with the US.

He told AFP on Monday that "I believe a relationship with the American side is essential for Iraq's progress".

Maliki, Iraq's only two-term prime minister, from 2006 to 2014, also rejected claims his relationship with the US was bad during his previous tenure.

Maliki at first enjoyed support from the American occupation following the US-led invasion of 2003, but later fell out with Washington over his growing ties with Iran and allegations that he pushed a sectarian agenda.

Iraq has long been a proxy battleground between the US and Iran, with successive governments negotiating a delicate balance between the two foes.

Iraq's new premier will be expected to address Washington's longstanding demand that Baghdad rein in Tehran-backed factions, many of which are designated terrorist groups by the United States.

Maliki attempted to reassure the US in his interview with AFP.

"In fact, what America wants is not new. These are our demands. We want weapons in the hands of the state. We want a centralised military force. We have said it repeatedly: we want one army under one command, directly under state authority," he said.

"It's quite possible" to achieve a deal with pro-Iran armed factions, he added.

"There is a good basis for understanding with the factions" but this cannot happen "through force, war, or confrontations", he said.

Maliki also defended Iraq's relations with Iran, which he said "rest on the principle that Iraq's sovereignty is respected" and that "shared interests define this relationship".

He also vowed to prevent attacks on diplomatic missions in Iraq if he becomes premier, amid fears that Iraq could be dragged into a war if the US strikes Iran.

"All countries can be assured that we will prevent any violation against their embassies or officially recognised interests in Iraq," Maliki said.

"We will not allow any party to target any country that maintains a diplomatic presence."