Iraq's prime minister said Saturday he's still seeking Cabinet nominations from the country's top politicians, signaling he likely will not form a new government much earlier than the Dec. 25 deadline.

Nouri al-Maliki had pledged to announce his new government by Dec. 15 and end the political deadlock that began after parliamentary elections in March failed to produce a clear winner. The delay announced Saturday reflects al-Maliki's struggle to cobble together an inclusive government.

But al-Maliki assured political leaders Saturday that he remains committed to meeting a 30-day constitutional deadline — ending Dec. 25 — to bring together all factions in a government that can overcome enduring sectarian tensions, and appealed for their help to do so.

"I call upon all blocs to quickly present their candidates," al-Maliki said at a meeting of the Kurdish Democratic Party, promising to announce Iraq's new leadership by Dec. 25.

He also warned politicians not to get distracted with "marginal issues" since the clock is ticking. "We are facing a constitutional deadline and we will not tolerate exceeding it," he said.