Top US military chief steps down

Washington: The US military's top Middle East chief is to step down from his post over alleged disagreements over policy.

Admiral William J. Fallon, one of the most experienced military leaders, has said he is resigning after the publication of newspaper reports that said he was opposed to President Bush's policy of possible military action against Iran.

Fallon, 63, who's remit covered the Horn of Africa into central Asia, including Iraq and Afghanistan, dispelled the reports and said there were no differences over policy objectives.

Defence Secretary Robert Gates said he had accepted Fallon's request to resign “with reluctance and regret.''

Gates said any idea that Fallon's departure signalled a decision to strike Iran was “ridiculous.''