WASHINGTON (AFP) — US Defense Secretary Robert Gates chose not to comment Monday on a magazine article that says the commander of US forces in the Middle East may soon be replaced because of his opposition to war with Iran.
"He's read the article in question and will not be commenting on it," said Pentagon press secretary Geoff Morrell, referring to Gates.
Published by Esquire magazine, the profile described Admiral William Fallon, head of the US Central Command, admiringly as "The Man Between War and Peace."
It credits Fallon with calming tensions with Iran last year, "creating serious tensions" with the White House by bucking a move toward war.
"Well-placed observers now say that it will come as no surprise if Fallon is relieved of his command before his time is up next spring, maybe as early as this summer, in favor of a commander the White House considers to be more pliable," said the article by Thomas P.M. Barnett.
"If that were to happen, it may well mean that the president and vice-president intend to take military action against Iran before the end of this year and don't want a commander standing in their way."
Asked whether Gates had confidence in Fallon, Morrell said, "They continue to enjoy a good working relationship."
Pressed by reporters, he said, "Well, they wouldn't enjoy a good working relationship if he didn't have confidence in him."
Morrell reiterated US policy that diplomacy was the first choice for dealing with Iran, but all options remain on the table.
The Washington Post, in a story last week about the article, quoted Fallon as calling it "poison pen stuff" that is "really disrespectful and ugly." He did not cite specific objections.
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