Iraq's prime minister has told a U.S. newspaper he will not seek a second term and wishes he could leave the job early.

"I wish it could be done with even before the end of this term. I would like to serve my people from outside the circle of senior officials, maybe through the parliament, or through working directly with the people," Maliki told the newspaper.

"I didn't want to take this position. I only agreed because I thought it would serve the national interest, and I will not accept it again," he said.