US President George W. Bush is introduced by William J. Fallon (L), Commander of Centcom, after a briefing on the war in Iraq during a visit to Centcom in Tampa, Florida, May 1, 2007. (Xinhua/Reuters File Photo)

The US government has ruled out suggestion that resignation of William Fallon, chief of US forces in the Middle East and Central Asia, signaled a possible war with Iran.

White House spokeswoman Dana Perino said Wednesday that it will continue trying to reach a diplomatic solution to Iran's nuclear issues. "There's no one in the administration that is suggesting anything other than a diplomatic approach to Iran."

Secretary of Defense Robert Gates told reporters at the Pentagon he accepted Fallon's resignation "with reluctance and regret." But, he added, "I think it's the right decision."