BAGHDAD, Iraq (CNN) -- Adm. William Fallon has resigned as chief of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia after more than a year in the post, citing what he called an inaccurate perception that he is at odds with the Bush administration over Iran. Adm. William Fallon had been serving as chief of U.S. forces in the Middle East and Central Asia since 2007. Fallon, the head of U.S. Central Command, was the subject of a recent Esquire magazine profile that portrayed him as resisting pressure for military action against Iran, which the Bush administration accuses of trying to develop nuclear weapons.
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Bush: "He deserves considerable credit for progress that has been made"
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Defense Secretary Robert Gates says he accepts the resignation with regret
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Gates says Fallon will be replaced by his deputy, Lt. Gen. Martin Dempsey
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Fallon cites what he calls inaccurate news reports for decision to step aside
"Although I don't believe there have ever been any differences about the objectives of our policy in the Central Command area of responsibility, the simple perception that there is makes it difficult for me to effectively serve @placeholder's interests there," Fallon said.